ã€ŠBEST FRIENDéˆ¥æ©² BROTHERã€‹


 1

    Eighteen years ago¡­..

    Kaleb Luthor hurried on. He was on an errand for his father, walking down the gravel path that cut from his house when his eyes caught something. He stopped and stared for a moment.

    It was his sister¡¯s friend, Sasha. Sasha Sullivan.

    She was hanging upside down from an old tree, her skinned knees hooked over a low thick branch. She was swinging back and forth, so her long braids dangled like ropes. The whole time she hummed while she blew the biggest pink bubble he had ever seen. He didn¡¯t know you could hum and blow bubble gum at the same time. As he walked past her, there was a loud pop.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± she asked as she swung up so she was straddling the branch with one leg, while the other dangled down. Her palms propped up by her body and she stared down at him.

    Dust fell all over him and scowling, he wiped off his face and head. He frowned. On the same level as his nose was a pair of blue canvas shoes. He slowly looked upward along her legs and knees to the small indignant face, which looked like a doll.

    She blew another bubble, sucked in and popped out in an obnoxious way. ¡°I asked where you were going. Big head,¡± she repeated like she was the queen of some ind.

    ¡°None of your business, Nosey,¡± Kaleb replied, trying to annoy her.

    It worked. He turned his back on her and started to walk away. Sasha jumped out of the tree and appeared beside him.

    ¡°My name is not Nosey,¡± she said. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that¡±

    He grunted some response and kept walking.

    ¡°You are such a grump,¡± she said. ¡°I wonder how Tilly puts up with you.¡±All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    He stopped and looked down at her. Her expression dared him to ignore her again. He started walking away again and she kept up with him, not saying anything, but he could feel her studying him. He looked at her finally. All he saw was an expressive face and a pair of frowning ck eyes.

    ¡°Go away,¡± he said. ¡°Don¡¯t you have something to do?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I was waiting for Tilly¡± she replied. There was a pause, and then she added, ¡°I¡¯m not a baby, you know. I know a lot of things¡±

    ¡°Oh really¡± he said sarcastically.

    ¡°Yeah¡±

    ¡°Things like what¡­ Nosey?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I dunno,¡± she replied with a frown. ¡°Anything¡±

    He almostughed then. She was so weird. He thought¡­ And kinda funny too. He had to admit.

    ¡°Go ahead¡± She said, ¡°Ask me something¡±

    Kaleb stood, looking at her face staring up at him with a look that dared him to argue with her. Which he wasn¡¯t in the mood to. Didn¡¯t want to and he didn¡¯t have the time to either. He could have called her bluff. But he didn¡¯t. He knew all about pride. It was something he understood. He turned away from her and went on his way.

    She didn¡¯t follow him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    ¡°Get your ass home, Tilly. I¡¯m going to be bored sitting out here by myself,¡± Sasha said as she slid the key Tilly had given her into the lock and pushed the door open. She heard Tillyugh on the other end of the line as she dropped her  bag on the cushion and headed for the big kitchen to get a bottle of water.

    ¡°Rx, I¡¯ll be back in an hour or so. You know I have to study so I can pick up on my grades. They have been a messtely.¡±

    Sasha couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes at her best friend¡¯sment. ¡°I understand, but it¡¯s still your fault that you missed so many sses. What were you thinking? Now I have to suffer the consequences of your actions. Sucks for me.¡±

    She heard Tilly chuckle again, and wondered if she was just enjoying her torment. ¡°Just keep yourself busy. Go swim in the pool or something. I¡¯m sure you will feel better after that. I¡¯ll be back soon, I promise.¡± Tilly said  and hung up.

    Sasha lifted the bottle of water to her lips and drank almost half of it, then she headed for the back door. She pushed the door open, and the sight of the huge pool made her smile. The water in the pool was as blue as the sky and clean as crystal¡­ so calm and smooth as if begging for her to dive in and disrupt the calmness. She had to admit that Tilly was right about one thing; a swim would definitely make her feel better.

    Without hesitation, She grabbed a towel from the rack and took off her top and shoes. She put on some music with her phone, and left in her shorts and sports bra, Sasha dove into the pool. The weather was really hot and the feeling of the water against her skin was soothing and refreshing. She swam from one end of the pool to the other a few times before her head broke through the surface, then she noticed someone standing at the door leading into the pool. Convinced that she was alone in Tilly¡¯s house, her first instinct is to scream.

    ¡°Hey. Hey, rx¡±

    A voice said as she screamed and struggled to clear the water from her eyes so she could see properly. Taking a closer look at the intruder, she yelled when she finally realized who it was. ¡°You! What the hell are you doing here? You almost gave me a heart attack!¡±

    It was Kaleb, Tilly¡¯s older brother, who she had had a crush on since she and Tilly were in high school. He didn¡¯t seem to care about the fact that he¡¯d startled her. Instead, he smiled and began to walk closer, but when he reached the sunlounger where Sasha kept her phone, he stopped. He stood there staring at the rings of water she had left behind, while the music from her phone continued to y¡­ Music that Sasha could barely hear now.

    She froze in the water, and she could tell that he knew that she was surprised judging by the way her eyes were widened. She watched as Kaleb turned down the volume on her phone, then he straightened and gestured for her to climb out of the pool.

 2

    Sasha swam towards him and he stretched out his hand to her. She stared at it for a few seconds, as if contemting her decision before she finally put her hand in his and he straightened, pulling her up with him. Sasha slid her hand from his grip and turned away, immediately grabbing the towel and using it to cover herself while awkwardly pretending to dry off¡­. Taking her time.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±she asked him as soon as she could bring herself to meet his gaze again.

    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty weird question to ask me, don¡¯t you think? This is my house too, remember? I should be the one asking you that question.¡± Kaleb replied.

    Sasha frowned at the grin on his face, and raised her chin a little, challenging him, ¡°Excuse me, but I was under the impression that no one was home.¡± she said.

    ¡°I can see that,¡± he replied, and continued to smile at her so she looked away, embarrassed by the attraction she realized she still felt towards him after all these years. Neither of them made any effort to move, and they simply stood, watching each other.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll get out of your way. Tilly didn¡¯t tell me you were home.¡± Sasha finally said as she grabbed her top. Tilly was in for a lot of trouble for failing to inform her that Kaleb was home, but she also had to tell herself the truth. Tilly probably didn¡¯t feel the need to since she never told her how she felt about her brother, but still, a little heads up would have been nice.

    ¡°You¡¯re not in my way, and Tilly didn¡¯t tell you because I just arrived this morning,¡± Kaleb said as he ced his hand on her arm to stop her movement. Sasha¡¯s eyes fell on his hands and he let go of her arm, but her skin seemed to burn from his touch even if it onlysted for a few seconds.

    ¡°You can go back to swimming if you want. I¡¯d be happy to just stay and watch. I could cheer too, you know¡­. If you want,¡± he added.

    He winked at her and she shook her head, willing those feelings to go away. She was not his type and he was never going to see her as anything more than his sister¡¯s best friend, but there was something about the way he was staring at her now that told her that this time, it was different; something had changed between them, but she wasn¡¯t sure what it was. Was he really flirting with her or was she just seeing what she wanted to see? His eyes roamed freely up and down her body, and Sasha¡¯s hands tightened on the towel.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to cover up, Sasha. You are at the pool.¡± Kaleb said and leaned closer, almost whispering the words in her ear. ¡°And you look hot too¡­¡±

    ¡°Well, the weather is pretty hot,¡± Sasha replied, ¡°That¡¯s why I wanted to swim in the first ce. The water is pretty cool and it helped a lot.¡±

    Kaled grinned, ¡°I meant ¡®Hot¡¯ as in ¡®good looking¡¯, Sasha,¡± he said.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah right¡± Sasha replied, but she was blushing again. She had a feeling he just said that to tease her as he always did when they were younger. He probably was just as self conscious as she was, she thought¡­only that he was just better at hiding it, but she sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to stick around to find out if she was right. At least not at this moment. ¡°I have to go.¡±

    He nodded. ¡°It was nice to see you again, Sasha,¡± said Kaleb.

    ¡°Right back at you¡± she replied awkwardly.

    Sasha grabbed her phone and top and hurried out of the pool area. He didn¡¯t try to stop her this time and for that she was grateful. For some reason she paused at the door, palm pressed to one of the panels, and nced over her shoulder in his direction. His eyes were still on her and even across the distance, she could feel the shock of that look whip through her, sizzling in her veins.

    She pushed the door open and hurried inside the house. It didn¡¯t matter though¡­ There was something about that look¡­ that told her that she was in for a wonderful adventure.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Sasha drove into herpound and hurried upstairs to her apartment. Her hair was still wet, but she didn¡¯t mind. She¡¯d changed into one of Tilly¡¯s gowns and hurried out of the Luthors¡¯ mansion without waiting for Tilly toe home. She barely made it to the bedroom before her phone rang. She checked the caller ID. It was Tilly.

    ¡°You left!¡± Tilly said immediately she picked up. ¡°I thought we agreed that you¡¯d wait for me¡­ and I hurried home because of you.¡±

    Sasha squeezed her eyes shut. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡­ I suddenly remembered something I had to do¡± she lied.

    ¡°Well, whatever it is. It better be worth it¡± Tilly replied.

    ¡°Kaleb is back,¡± said Sasha, changing the topic. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that he wasing home¡±

    ¡°Girl, Ipletely forgot. All these assignments I have to do have been keeping me upied. Besides, it¡¯s just Kaleb. Did you want to throw him a wee party?¡±

    She didn¡¯t want to throw him a party obviously, but she¡¯d have liked to know, Sasha thought, but she didn¡¯t say it out loud. It would have been easier if she had been expecting to see him. That way, she wouldn¡¯t have been so blown away by the incredibly handsome man Kaleb had grown into. He¡¯d always been good looking, but now he was different -he was so much hotter.

    Tall, dark hair, handsome face with dimples on both cheeks, broad shoulders, big hands and that God dammed one-sided smile of his that did weird ass shit to her insides. What was it about age that made some men grow into Greek gods?

    He was wealthy too. Granted, he came from a wealthy family, but Kaleb Luthor started his own business as a frence investor, and ording to Tilly (and what Sasha knew from stalking him on the inte), his business was pretty sessful.

 3

    She wondered why she never told Tilly about the way she felt for her brother. It was weird, because she and Tilly told each other everything. They kept nothing from each other. Tilly parents had even invested in her food truck business when she started it to show their support, but she¡¯d kept her crush on Kaleb a secret. Maybe she was just scared of the way Tilly would react. What if Tilly didn¡¯t like the idea of her dating her brother? Would it leave a mark on their rtionship?This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    She didn¡¯t want that because she valued their friendship so much. But again, what was the point of talking about it when Kaleb wasn¡¯t even slightly interested in her. He¡¯dpletely friendzoned her, and she hadn¡¯t even seen him for years¡­. Well, until that afternoon.

    ¡°Urmmm¡­ helllooo¡± Tilly said on the other end of the line, bringing Sasha back to reality.

    ¡°No, ¡± Sasha said finally, answering Tilly¡¯s question, ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to throw him a party. I was just surprised to see him, that¡¯s all.¡± Feeling ufortable, she changed the topic. ¡°So I guess you¡¯re all caught up. Ready for your tests now?¡±

    Tilly sighed. ¡°Yeah I guess I am. To some extent, but I have done enough reading for today. We can hang outter. How about youe over tomorrow or I cane to your ce if you prefer.¡±

    ¡°You shoulde over. That would be much better¡± Sasha said immediately, knowing that she wasn¡¯t ready to face Kaleb again. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow¡±

    She hung up and let out a deep sigh. Just how long was Kaleb going to be around before he went back to wherever the hell he crawled out from?

    ¡ª¡ª¨C

    Sasha grimaced at the vibration of her cell phone in her back pocket as she served up an order of green papaya sd and tom yum to another hungry customer standing outside her food truck. Her delicious Thai cuisine made hers one of the more popr trucks stationed at the Park during the lunch hour.

    Sasha was a wonderful chef, and when she¡¯d proposed starting a food truck business, Tilly and her parents had insisted on investing. The love of food and cooking were just a couple things the two of them bonded over. And because they were such good friends, when she had called Tilly that morning, frantic because she¡¯d been down a person, Tilly had been more than willing to jump in and help. It hadn¡¯t been the first time she¡¯d volunteered, and if Sasha needed her, it wouldn¡¯t be thest and Sasha was grateful for that. Her friend always had her back and knowing that it wasn¡¯t easy to have or find such a good friend, she didn¡¯t take it for granted.

    The food had been prepared and Tilly was putting them in their packages while Sasha handed them to the customer.

    ¡°Here you go, babe.¡± Tilly handed her an order of pad thai, disrupting her thoughts. ¡°That¡¯s number 66.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Sasha epted it, bagged it and carried it to the window. ¡°Here you go.¡± She passed the food to the customer with a smile and turned to the next person in line. ¡°Hi, how can I help you tod-¡±

    Oh hell. It was Kaleb.

    Her eyes widened as she stared at his cool, amused expression. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked, and in spite of the ¡°I don¡¯t care about him any more¡± speech she¡¯d delivered to herself since she saw him two weeks ago, apprehension quivered through her at the smirk glittering in his gaze.

    ¡°I came to check out your ce,¡± he ground out. ¡°Tilly told me she¡¯d be helping you in your food truck today so I decided to use the opportunity toe say hello-¡±

    ¡°Hey, man, order and move on. Some of us have to get back to work,¡± someone yelled from behind Kaleb. And when several more grumbles of agreement followed, Kaleb whipped his head around. Immediately, the mumbling ceased.

    Good Lord. That was some superpower. He returned his attention to her and in spite of his re, she hiked her chin up. ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m busy though. If you need Tilly, I can go call her for you. I¡¯m sorry, but I needed her today.¡±

    ¡°Rx. I¡¯m not here for Tilly. Trust me, I¡¯ve had enough of her and her troubles and I¡¯ve only been back for two weeks.¡± His gaze narrowed further, and he growled, ¡°Open the door.¡±

    Before she could reply, he stalked off and disappeared. But secondster, a hard rap at the side door echoed in the truck. From the grill, Tilly tossed her a ¡°what the hell?¡± look, and, bemused, Sasha shrugged and unlocked it.

    The door jerked open, and Kaleb strode through it. His big body and intense presence seemed to shrink the interior to that of a toy truck.

    Sasha stared at him, open mouthed and struck silent. Which wasn¡¯t an easy feat, while Tilly simply rolled her eyes, looking unimpressed. ¡°It¡¯s just you. What are you doing here?¡± Tilly asked.

    ¡°Mind your business,¡± Kaleb retorted. With sharp movements, he jerked off his coat and suit jacket and hung them on a wall hook. Then he rolled his sleeves up to his elbows and pinned both Tilly and Sasha with that dark re.

    ¡°Well?¡± he snapped. ¡°Where do you need me?¡±

    Need him? What was happening? Sasha wondered.

    ¡°I want to help,¡± he added helpfully.

    Tilly recovered first. ¡°I¡¯m not sure you can be of much help, Kaleb¡± she said,  ¡°But let¡¯s see how much your kitchen skills have improved¡± She handed him a knife. ¡°You get an order of cashew chicken going, and I¡¯ll get the green curry.¡±

    Without a word, he crossed to the sink, washed his hands, then epted the utensil and started chopping fresh vegetables and chicken like a pro. Tilly again shot Sasha a look, but Sasha shrugged, still stunned and confused.

    ¡°You have customers waiting,¡± Kaleb reminded her, without turning around.

    Now the man had eyes on the back of his head as well as cooking skills?

    Again¡­what the hell was going on?

    Shaking her head, she returned to the window and the ever-growing line outside. For the next couple hours, the three of them worked like a well-oiled machine.

 4

    Sasha still couldn¡¯t quite grasp that Kaleb Luthor was there in the cramped quarters of a food truck, cooking Thai entr¨¦es like a professional.

    She tried to imagine other guys she¡¯d met jumping in and helping out and couldn¡¯t. The image refused to solidify, because they would never have done it. Not many men of her acquaintance would¡¯ve bothered getting their hands dirty. But then again, two hours ago she wouldn¡¯t have been able to picture Kaleb getting his hands dirty, either. And especially not for her.

    As Sasha closed the serving window and hung the Closed sign, questions crowded into her head. But before she could ask them, he turned, tugging down his sleeves and rebuttoning the cuffs.

    ¡°I actually came to invite you to my party,¡± he said, thrusting his arms into his jacket, then his coat.

    ¡°Your party?¡± Sasha repeated.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve decided to stay here. I mean, move back here¡­. Permanently. I¡¯ve bought a house too, and I¡¯m throwing a small house warming party¡­ with a few close friends and business acquaintances. I do hope you wille too. Tomorrow evening¡­. It starts at 10pm till dawn¡­ or at least¡­ whenever you feel like you want to retire for the night.¡±

    He winked at her, and with a brisk nod at Tilly, he stalked out the door, leaving a weighty silence behind.

    Sasha was the first to break it this time.

    ¡°What in the hell just happened?¡± she yelled, voicing the question that had been guing her since Kaleb¡¯s sudden appearance.

    Tilly shrugged. ¡°I guess he finally made up his mind about the party.¡± she said, ¡°He didn¡¯t want to have one but mom talked him out of it. He also insisted on inviting you by himself so I kept my big mouth shut. You know how Kaleb is¡­. I prefer to stay out of his way.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    A formal dress¡­.

    Sasha selected a ssic red dress from her wardrobe, applied light make-up with emphasis on her eyes, twisted her hair into a careless knot and fixed it with arge clip, added minimal jewelry, stepped into stilettos and caught up a ck evening purse.

    She stared at herself in the mirror and told herself that her look was perfect. She didn¡¯t look overdressed¡­ or underdressed either. She was an hourte already, but she¡¯d done that on purpose too. She didn¡¯t want to arrive too early, and more importantly, she didn¡¯t want to look like she was trying too much to get anyone¡¯s attention¡­ Definitely not Kaleb¡¯s attention.

    This wasn¡¯t a date. He was just celebrating his new home and God knows how many people he¡¯d invited. Kaleb was the kind of guy who always went extra with everything he did.

    She left her apartment and got into her car. Following the address Kaleb had sent to her two days ago, she drove off.

    It took her thirty minutes before she finally arrived at her destination, and although she knew that Kaleb¡¯s house would be beautiful, judging by how wealthy he was and also his family, she wasn¡¯t prepared for the magnificence of the premises.

    The gate came first, ornate wrought iron with an incongruously hi-tech security box on the driver¡¯s side.

    Then it was like riding through a park. An extraordinarily well-kept park.

    Manicuredwns. A rogue de of grass wouldn¡¯t dare show up there, let alone a weed, she thought. The trees, all native to this part of the country, were stately and thick, providing ample shade for their flowered skirts.

    A full-time staff would be essential in keeping this gorgeouswn so pristine, and she wondered about the budget. He probably spent a fortune on fresh flowers and nts for the house, too.

    Already feeling very nervous, Sasha  got out of her car and headed for the entrance. Also she could hear loud music and the voices of people and again, she wondered just how many people Kaleb had invited. It certainly didn¡¯t look like a ¡®small party¡¯, as he¡¯d called it.

    She entered therge living room which she felt was almost bigger than her apartment and looked around. People stood around, some were sitting, mostly in pairs or groups, drinks in their hands as they chatted excitedly. Sasha recognized some of them and even noticed some of Kaleb¡¯s friends from his high school days. One of them, Samson, came to say hello to her.

    Sasha usually saw Samson around. Mostly at the grocery store, the park or the cinema and he was always nice to her. She smiled broadly at him, delighted to see someone she could interact with.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Hello, Sam¡± she greeted cheerfully, ¡°I should have known that I would see you here¡±

    He returned her smile. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t miss it for anything. Kaleb would have been mad at me. Besides, I couldn¡¯t give up the opportunity to have a little fun. All work and no y certainly isn¡¯t good for anyone.¡±

    Sasha nodded in agreement and smiled as they continued her chat. All the while, her eyes scanned the room for Kaleb. It didn¡¯t take long to find him. He had a presence about him that made it hard not to notice him. He was tall, masculine and incredibly handsome with a personality that drew people to him. He was in a corner of the room, surrounded by a few people, mostly females who seemed delighted to hear whatever he was saying.

    Sasha rolled her eyes. Guess nothing much had changed about him. He was still thedies man. The man every girl wanted, and as usual, he enjoyed the attention. She noticed in particr ady in a green dress standing rather too close to him and she winced at the jealousy that hit her. Looking away, she forced herself to concentrate on what Samson was saying. Soon, Samson got into conversation with another guy and Sasha found herself alone again, but not for long.

    Tilly appeared almost immediately, wearing a pair of jeans and a white shirt. She didn¡¯t look like she cared about the party one bit and neither was she dressed for it.

    ¡°There you are!¡± Tilly said as she approached Sasha. ¡°Why the hell did you arrive sote?¡± she scolded.

 5

    Sasha gave her an apologetic look. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± she said, ¡°Lots of customers at the truck¡­ And I had a little problem choosing my outfit. Now, speaking of outfits, yours is just¡­. You know¡­ wow. Why aren¡¯t you dressed? Or are you?¡±

    Tilly rolled her eyes. ¡°Good question! I¡¯m dressed like this because like an idiot, I offered to help n Kaleb¡¯s stupid party, and he put me in charge of everything. Trust me, if I¡¯m not there to monitor everyone, nothing gets done.¡±

    Sasha smiled. She wasn¡¯t surprised one bit. Tilly was a control freak, and she liked to do things and way and when she wanted it done. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s all in your head,¡± she said, ¡°Maybe you should let them do the rest and you should get dressed. You deserve to enjoy the party you put together. It¡¯s amazing by the way. You did great.¡±

    ¡°Of course I did, duh¡± said Tilly with a proud smirk, ¡°What would Kaleb do without me? But of course, he won¡¯t admit that he can¡¯t do anything without my help¡±

    Sashaughed, ¡°I¡¯m very sure he knows it¡±

    ¡°Good. Why don¡¯t you tell him to say it now¡± Tilly said, but she was staring at someone behind Sasha now and Sasha didn¡¯t have to turn around to know who it was.

    ¡°Tell me to say what?¡± Kaleb¡¯s voice said behind her.

    Sasha turned around. Kaleb was here, in the flesh, all six feet two of him, towering over her. He was casually but impably dressed, in a short-sleeved shirt open at the neck to reveal the strong column of his throat. Casual linen pants hung low on his hips, supported by a leather belt slipped through the loops, its buckle a discreet silver rectangle resting on his t belly¡­No, she wasn¡¯t going any lower¡­

    Abruptly she lifted her head, her eyes roaming over his face. His ck hair was cut shorter than it was weeks ago, now with a side parting and a few wayward curls edging his broad brow. He was still darkly handsome, but not in the boyish way she remembered from years ago. His chiseled features had hardened. The high nt of his cheekbones was more pronounced, a small wrinkle creased the corners of his ck eyes and the firm, sensuous lips were held in a tight line. Hard and sessful, he exuded an aura of power and confidence that few men could hope to match.

    She gazed up at him, opened her mouth to say something, no words came out.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    For a few seconds, Kaleb almost wished Sasha wouldn¡¯t turn around. He had an exceptional view of her backside. And a nice backside it was. His gaze never wavered from the tantalizing view in front of him. Her dress fit beautifully over body and very voluptuous hips. He didn¡¯t see enough curves in his life. Some of the models he usually met were so damn skinny he kept wanting to cook them pasta. He¡¯d never admit it, but those women weren¡¯t exactly his taste. Heresy, but what can you do? He liked a woman who looked real. Shapely. Someone he could hold on to.

    And Sasha was exactly that¡­ Or at least her body. She¡¯d always been beautiful, he knew that, but there was a change in her that he couldn¡¯t help but notice. The girl he¡¯d once known had be a woman¡­. A very beautiful woman indeed.

    She was talking to Tilly, and then he got close enough to hear their  conversation before he realized that they were talking about him.

    ¡°Tell me to say what?¡± he asked.

    Sasha turned around to face him, and Kaleb¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She was a vision of luscious womanhood in a red dress that made his throat dry. Her hair looked wild In that bun, like she¡¯d just gotten well and lustilyid, and her eyes were luminous with mischief and something else he couldn¡¯t peg. But where he got stuck was her lips.

    Red, like the dress, full, like her breasts. He wanted to pull her to him, feel that body from shoulder to knee, and kiss her senseless.

    ¡°Oh¡­ No¡­ Nothing¡±  Sasha said after a while, moving one leg forward and bncing her weight on her side with a sinful sway of hips. ¡°You know your sister. She talks a lot¡­ About a lot of things. I don¡¯t know how it has been since you returned, but we normally don¡¯t let her speak to people unless she¡¯s taken her Prozac.¡± she added yfully.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Tilly rolled her eyes and red at her brother. ¡°You better find a way to thank me properly all the work I¡¯ve done for you¡± she said, ¡°It¡¯s your party, but you barely did anything to n it properly¡±

    Kaleb shrugged, ¡°You insisted on doing it, dear sister. So I let you. Please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯reining now. I think we can all agree that it¡¯s toote for that. Wouldn¡¯t you say so, Sasha?¡±

    Sasha blinked. She¡¯d been too lost in thought and it took a second to bring her back to the present.¡± I¡¯m sure Tilly means well. She¡¯s just cranky, and besides, we can both agree that she did quite an amazing job¡±

    Kaleb smiled. ¡°Yeah she did¡± he agreed, then he turned to Tilly. ¡°You name anything you want and it shall be granted.¡±

    Tilly grinned at her brother. ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted to hear.¡± she said, ¡°See ya!¡±

    Tilly left, leaving Sasha and Kaleb alone. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Kaleb faced her again. He brought his ss up to his lips and savored the aged scotch as it heated a trail down his throat. When was thest time he felt so ufortable and self conscious when he was with a woman? He couldn¡¯t remember, but there was something about Sasha that made him feel like his tongue was tied, and he didn¡¯t want to say the wrong thing.

    She was beautiful. Kaleb thought as he felt himself harden and frowned. He was like a callow youth, he thought exasperatedly. She was beautiful, yes, but he¡¯d seen beautiful women before. He hadn¡¯t reached the mature age of thirty-two without making love to a number of them, too, and it irritated the hell out of him that he desired this woman this way, his sister¡¯s friend. She licked her lips then, and his stomach twisted with sudden emotion.

    Damn, he thought, the intensity of his reaction reminding him that he was ying with fire here.

 6

    ¡°I¡¯m d you came¡± he said to her, ¡°I almost thought that you wouldn¡¯t honor my invitation¡±

    ¡°Now why would you say that?¡± she asked, and he had to concentrate hard to remember what he¡¯d said.

    ¡°I-I guess because you didn¡¯t look very thrilled about it when I invited you.¡± he essayed atst, congratting himself on his memory. ¡°I¡¯m d you came Sasha¡±

    Her lips were pressed together when she turned to give him a doubtful look, and Kaleb guessed she didn¡¯t really believe him. Longshes, several shades darker than her hair, shaded her expression, however, and Kaleb found himself imagining how they would feel against his lips. He wanted to kiss her, he realized. He wanted to press that slim luscious body against his own and ease his aching need between her legs¡­

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s very fair, Kaleb¡± she said, and his arousal abruptly deted. ¡°You invited me in the weirdest way possible.¡±

    An eyebrow lifted. He did?

    ¡°Walking into my truck¡­¡± she continued, ¡°Helping Tilly and I, then randomly mentioning your new house and party. You can¡¯t me me if I looked¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­surprised. And it¡¯s not like you and I have ever been¡­.¡±

    ¡°Been what?¡± he insisted, deciding that he had nothing more to lose.

    ¡°¡­ Close¡± Sashapleted and looked away, as if she was afraid to stare into his eyes.

    He grinned at her. She was right, they had never been close, but now he wanted to be. He wanted to be really close to her¡­ As close as possible. She still wouldn¡¯t look at him, so he said, ¡°Why are you so afraid to talk to me?¡± His dark brows elevated. ¡°I am not so terrifying, am I?¡±

    She turned then, bncing her hips again and folding her arms across her midriff. ¡°I am not afraid to talk to you, Kaleb¡± she said, and he had to admire her spirit. ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡±

    Kaleb lifted one hand to wipe the moisture from his nape. He refused to ept that it was done to buy himself a little time, but there was no doubt that she had caught him off guard.

    ¡°All right. Tell me what you have been up to these past years. I want to know everything I can about Sasha Sullivan.¡±

    There was a perceptible hesitation when that tempting tongue appeared and bit her lower lip, and then she seemed to straighten her spine before saying slowly, ¡°Funny how you¡¯re suddenly interested.¡±

    Kaleb gave her a dry look. She looked down at her feet then, and Kaleb found himself doing the same, watching as she crossed one slim foot over the other.

    ¡°Your ce is very lovely by the way¡± she said softly.

    Kaleb grinned at her, ¡°Would you like a little tour while we talk?¡± he asked.

    She looked around. ¡°It¡¯s your party Kaleb. Won¡¯t your guests miss you?¡±

    ¡°Trust me, they won¡¯t¡± he said, cing his hand against the small of her back and leading her out of the room. ¡°They might not even notice that I¡¯m gone¡±

    Sasha returned his smile, letting herself get caught up in his little teasingments and letting him lead the way until a painting on the wall caught her attention. She¡¯d hardly registered her surroundings, which was astonishing just like the room they¡¯d just left. It was a hallway, and it wasrge. The entire house screamed money. Every piece of it was perfect and gorgeous. And so were the flower arrangements..

    She headed over to the nearest pedestal, one of three that lined the hallway. Whoever did the flowers was a master. They were gorgeous and lush and perfectly suited that space.

    ¡°What are you staring at?¡±

    She turned at Kaleb¡¯s voice. ¡°They¡¯re fabulous.¡± she said,

    ¡°Certainly not more beautiful than the woman standing by my side.¡± he said.

    Sasha rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. ¡°ttery will get you everywhere.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m counting on it.¡± came his reply.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    She flushed a little at hisment as he handed her a martini. She looked puzzled, then she realized that he must have gotten it on their way out of the party. He¡¯d gotten himself a drink, too, she observed.

    ¡°This house is really amazing.¡± she said again.

    He looked around. ¡°There is a certain art to ostentation, isn¡¯t there?¡± he asked, watching her face for a reaction. He wasn¡¯t disappointed.

    She gave him a look that made him smirk. ¡°Indeed.¡± she said simply.

    He took a sip of his drink and met her gaze. ¡°So let¡¯s talk. What has Sasha Sullivan been up to?¡±

    Sasha sipped her martini a little too quickly, but dammit, she needed the courage. ¡°Pretty much the same thing every adult is doing. Working¡­ Pushing through¡­ Working¡­.¡±

    Kaleb nodded, ¡°Tell me about it. Sometimes it¡¯s like we don¡¯t have time for the little things anymore. Remember how simple it was when we were kids? It was so easy, you know. All we had to worry about was school, friends and parties¡±

    ¡°You certainly had a lot of friends yourself, Mr popr¡± said Sasha.

    Kaleb grinned, ¡°Nice try, Doll face, but we¡¯re not talking about me right now. You¡¯re the subject, so tell me, how on earth are youbining your business with school.¡±

    She lifted a eyebrow in surprise, and Kaleb added helpfully, ¡°Tilly told me you¡¯re also studying to get your masters degree¡±

    ¡°Oh¡± said Sasha, wondering how much he and Tilly had discussed and how much he knew. They were siblings and even if she was an only child, she knew that siblings talked to each other¡­ About a lot of things. ¡°Well, it can be tiring obviously, but it certainly helps that Tilly is this too. We study together sometimes and she helps me at the food truck too. You know, your parents helped with a very good donation when I started things. They have been very helpful too¡­ My parents and I are very grateful for their help.¡±

    ¡°How are your parents? I shoulde say hello to them soon. I can¡¯t even remember thest time I saw them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they would love that,¡± Sasha replied truthfully. ¡°You know, they didn¡¯t really like it when I moved out. They insisted that there was no point since I¡¯d still be living in the same town, but I had to leave. I know they love me but I felt like I was too old to keep living with my parents and I wouldn¡¯t be able to figure out life on my own if they were always there¡­ You know ¡°

 7

    Kaleb nodded.¡±I totally understand. My parents on the other hand are simply thrilled that I¡¯m back in town. I guess they don¡¯t bother me so much because they still have Tilly. She¡¯s a lot to handle so I guess they were simply relieved when they had one less child to worry about ¡±

    Sliding ss doors led to a balcony that showed a stunning view of the city in the distance-bright lights, so full of stories and interest.

    ¡°So beautiful.¡± she said again. He dipped his head in silent concession, moving towards the kitchen and pulling a bottle of champagne from the fridge. She recognised thebel for its distinctive golden color. He took her martini ss from her and put both their sses in the sink, then she watched as he unfurled the foil from the champagne bottle and popped the cork effortlessly, grabbing two flutes and half filling them.

    ¡°Your sister is an amazing friend too,¡± Sasha continued, desperate for something to say in order to fill up the silence, ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever met anyone like her¡­ she¡¯s the only one I can call a friend.¡±

    ¡°Ouch¡± Kaleb said, clutching his chest yfully, ¡°You are saying you don¡¯t consider me a friend? Such a hurtful thing to say, doll face. You wound me!¡±

    Sasha punched him yfully, ¡°Stop calling me, doll face. And you know what I meant. Besides, it¡¯s the truth. We have never been friends¡­ Why do you suddenly care about that now?¡±

    He turned to face her fully, and Sasha held her breath.

    ¡°Change is a part of life, is it not?¡± he asked, then continued without waiting for her to reply, ¡°In fact, some people say it¡¯s constant. We weren¡¯t friends before, yes, but is there a rule that says we can be now?¡±

    Sasha swallowed. He was right, but there was something about the way he was staring at her that made her feel like he didn¡¯t mean just friends. He didn¡¯t have to say it. She could read it in his eyes and the crazy thing was that she didn¡¯t want to be just friends either. She thought about Tilly. The best thing to do at the moment was to leave him and go back to the party, where she could be around other people and not be disturbed by her emotions. Where she could be safe from him, but her knees felt shaky, and she wasn¡¯t sure she trusted them to carry her across the room.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Well, how do you suppose we begin this¡­ Friendship of ours?¡± she heard herself say instead. His lips twisted and she felt something sharpen within him, something that sparked a thousand little questions inside her.

    He didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he strode across the room, champagne flute in hand, passing Sasha¡¯s to her as though he were fighting himself, as though he were fighting this. And she couldn¡¯t understand that. If it weren¡¯t for the gale-force strength of her own needs, she might have paused to ask him why he was looking at her with such intensity, why he stared at her in a way that seemed to strip her soul bare.

    But the incessant thrumming of her own desire was all Sasha was conscious of.

    ¡°You could have dinner with me¡­ tomorrow¡± he said simply, swallowing so his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed in his throat.

    She bit down on her lip, and his eyes dropped to her mouth, so her desire became louder, more urgent, desperation rolling through her. This was crazy. Madness. Necessary.

    Outside, a spark of color exploded through the sky-bright red, vibrant, its beauty an imperative they both resisted.

    ¡°Congrattions on your new house, Kaleb¡± she said quietly, unable to take her eyes off his face. ¡°They lit fireworks. Don¡¯t you think we should get back to the party now?¡±

    Congrattions? Kaleb stared at the woman in front of him,pletely at a loss for what the hell hade over him. He didn¡¯t care about the damn party at the moment, and he had a feeling that she didn¡¯t too. She was running away, and he didn¡¯t want her to. No other woman had ever mmed into his body the way she did. She had literally hit him out of nowhere. He moved towards her, and the second his hand curled around her arm, simply to steady her, at least that was what he told himself, his body  tightened with a whole raft of needs he no longer wanted to ignore. Right here, with the starlit sky exploding beyond the walls of his house, something within him shifted. It was as though an ancient, unseen force was propelling him to act,  reminding him that this could be his only chance with her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about the damn party right now, Sasha,¡± he said. And he dropped his head, surprising herpletely if her husky little gasp was anything to go by, parting her lips so he could drive his tongue deep inside her and feel every reverberation of her body, he could taste her desire and wee it with his own.

    Perhaps she had expected him to kiss her gently, to explore her slowly, but there was nothing gentle about this, nothing slow. It was a kiss of urgency and it detonated around them. Sasha made a groaning noise into his mouth, her desire roaring through her body, taking control of her. This was not a warm,fortable kiss. It was a kiss that redefined everything in her life, pushing new boundaries into ce. She clung to his shirt for dear life and he kissed her deeper, his mouth moving over hers, demanding more of her, his tongue dueling with her own, his body cleaved to hers so not a breath of space remained between them. It was a kiss ofplete domination and she sumbed to it utterly.

    ¡°Just this one night, Sasha¡± He pushed the words into her mouth as he spun her body, tightening his arms around her waist and lifting her in his arms. He sat down on the chair, pulling her onto hisp, pushing at her dress and making a guttural sound of frustration when he found the cotton of her underpants.

    It was everything she wanted-the impermanence, the perfect treatment¡­ But¡­she couldn¡¯t¡­ Not with Kaleb Luthor. What about Tilly?¡­

    She sprang up from hisp, wiping her lips desperately as if trying to wipe away his kiss and Kaleb hated watching her do that.

 8

    ¡°I really think we should get back to the party now, Kaleb¡±

    Kaleb watched her for a second before he stood up. He wanted to kiss her again, but he didn¡¯t want to make her feel ufortable¡­ OrOr worse, scared. He wasn¡¯t a caveman and he¡¯d never take a woman who wasn¡¯t willing. So he stood up and faced her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± he said, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have done that, and you¡¯re right. We should go back to the party¡±

    Sasha almost winced. Sorry? She didn¡¯t want him to be sorry because she¡¯d love that kiss. She just thought that stopping was the right thing to do, but she masked her feelings quickly and stood up straight.

    ¡°Yeah, we should go,¡± she agreed.

    They left and walked in silence, but the kiss refused to leave Sasha¡¯s lips. Amatory blushes kept flushing on her cheeks at the mere remembrance of Kaleb¡¯s mouth taking charge of destroying her any possible resolution to keep herself sexually uninvolved as she¡¯d been for the past few years.

    Oh no, this wasn¡¯t healthy! Sasha shook her head to do these thoughts away. ¡°Kaleb is just an alluring little beast who¡¯s nothing but one hell terrific kisser who wants you to fall for his stupid charms that¡¯s not going to work,¡± she was telling to herself, her thoughts over Kaleb restless. .

    They got back to the party, and they were suddenly joined by Tilly, Samson and anotherdy Sasha didn¡¯t recognize. Tilly moved forward,¡± Where the hell have you two been?¡± she questioned, before she turned to Kaleb, ¡°And you¡­ Did you forget that this is your party?¡±

    Kaleb remained silent, and Sasha felt too guilty to think of anything to say. The otherdy who had arrived with them wrapped her arm around Kaleb¡¯s and Sasha firmed her eyes at both Kaleb and the woman without a word. She also noticed that Kaleb¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t leave hers.

    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m ire.¡± thedy said to her smiling ¡°Kaleb¡¯s girlfriend¡±

    Sasha smiled back and introduced herself too, but her eyes were on Kaleb, who was staring back at her nkly, his face like a desert.

    Why don¡¯t we all go get something to drink?¡± Samson said, but Sasha shook her head slowly. No, she wasn¡¯t going to spend another minute with the guy who kissed her knowing he had a girlfriend. What a jerk! She thought.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Samson, but I¡¯m afraid I have to go,¡± she said urgently. ¡°I just remembered that I have this test I need to study for and I¡¯ve been so busy with the food truck that I haven¡¯t read anything at all.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Samson frowned, foiled. ¡°The party just started¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Sasha mouthed at him, beseechingly.

    ¡°What a shame, huh?¡± ire remarked. ¡°We¡¯d have loved to have some drinks¡­ I want to get to know all of Kaleb¡¯s friends.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Kaleb is Mr popr¡± said Samson jokingly, ¡°It will take a while before you get to know all of his friends¡±All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Well, I intend to,¡± said ire cheerfully.

    However, Kaleb¡¯s disposition wasn¡¯t as sassy as theirs, upon ire¡¯s  insinuation. His lips twitched.

    ¡°Seriously, can¡¯t you stay, Sasha?¡± ire insisted.

    ¡°Maybe some other time.¡± Sasha smiled tightly.

    ire seemed persistent. ¡°Are you sure? It won¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°She said she has things to do!¡± Kaleb snorted. ¡°Are we going to spend the rest of our lives discussing this? Because I don¡¯t think I want to do that. This is still a party right?¡±

    Fucker! Sasha cursed inwardly.

    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± she uttered, ring at him gravely. ¡°Enjoy your party, and it was a pleasure meeting you,¡± she told ire and turned around. ¡°Jerk,¡± muttered as she walked past Kaleb.

    And he heard it clearly enough.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    It was pouring heavilyter that night. Unable to get a sleep, Sasha walked out of her bed and dropped on thefy couch near the window. Sighing, her mind went back to that moment when ire introduced herself as Kaleb¡¯s girlfriend. She couldn¡¯t let it go no matter how much she wanted to and it pissed her off.

    ¡°Cut it out, Sasha! It¡¯s not like you love him or something,¡± she breathed, wondering why she was getting invested into that jerk. Could it be due to his rude manners? Or his personality changes since he¡¯d returned; sometimes warm, sometimes cold? She couldn¡¯t quite understand a thing, but it was a clear fact that she was affected by him.

    Kaleb had a girlfriend, she made a mental reminder, and it only drove her crazy. Why did she have to let him kiss her? It all started with that stupid kiss, she snapped inwardly. At least when it was just a crush, she could handle herself quite well. Thinking of him, she stretched her hand and unplugged her  phone from its charger. She stared at it thoughtfully for a while, pondering. What was she doing? Her heart pounded fast.

    ¡°No, Sasha. You¡¯ll only get hurt.¡± She could hear the voice telling her but her body had a mind of its own. She sent Kaleb a text.

    ¡®You sleeping?¡¯

    She ced the phone aside, for she wasn¡¯t really expecting any reply. However, she was surprised to hear the beep a few secondster. She grabbed the phone quickly and his reply was

    ¡®Not yet¡¯.

    Sasha smiled. Wasn¡¯t this crazy yet exciting? Was the hell was she looking for? Trouble? She paused, thinking, pondering hard, and suddenly there was an iing call . . . From him.

    ¡°Kaleb?¡± she muttered, eyes on the screen, and carefully picked up. ¡°Hello,¡± she breathed.

    ¡°Were you waiting for my call?¡± Kaleb asked, his voice calm.

    ¡°Why would I? I just happened to have my phone close, that¡¯s why,¡± Sasha argued, sitting straight.

    Kaleb chuckled. ¡°Why are you still awake?¡± he quizzed.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m developing insomnia.¡± Sasha said and rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Really? I¡¯m also a victim so maybe I should rmend you to my therapist.¡± His tone was provoking, his words smooth. ¡°Shall I send you her address?¡±

    ¡°Anotherdy of yours? No thank you!¡± Sasha scoffed.

    ¡°But why? I promise she is the best.¡± Kaleb was definitely smiling right now, she could imagine, and the sight was still arresting. Fuck, couldn¡¯t she throw him out of her mind! Sasha sighed frustrated.

 9

    ¡°I bet she is,¡± she mocked, ¡°or else why would you meet her if you¡¯re still awake by now?¡± Her voice was rather using.

    ¡°Why did you leave the party in such a hurry earlier?¡± Ignoring her sarcasm, Kaleb changed the subject.

    He just had to ask! The audacity he had! Sasha smirked. ¡°Did you want to enjoy seeing the girl you just kissed a few minutes ago making a friendly chat with your girlfriend?¡± she snapped, her wound reopened.

    ¡°Oh, so you left because of ire?¡± Again, Kaleb¡¯s voice was mocking.

    ¡°No, I left because of me,¡± Sasha recoiled, and it was her stupidity sending him a text.

    ¡°And what about you and Samson? I see the way he looked at you at the party. He seems to really like you and the both of you seem really familiar with each other. What do I make out of that?¡± Kaleb sounded different, odd even.

    It was Sasha¡¯s turn tough. It was a ridiculous thing to say as far as she was concerned, because she and Samson had never gotten personal in that way. He¡¯d never even tried to make a move on her or even give her any reason to think that he wanted to. ¡°Seriously? Samson? Are you jealous, by any chance?¡± She even got the energy to get up and move toward her bed.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Jealous? You can wish all day long, Sasha. I¡¯m just asking,¡± Kaleb said wickedly, and it was annoying.

    ¡°Well, fine! If you say so,¡± Sasha retorted. ¡°Are you in the bathroom hiding from your girlfriend right now?¡±

    Shey down on her bed.

    ¡°Huh?¡± said Kaleb.

    ¡°Oh, could it be that you¡¯re bold enough to even talk in her presence?¡± Were they living together? Was that the reason why he¡¯d bought that big house? He wanted to start a life with his girl? Sasha wished to ask him, but she was scared of what his answer might be.

    ¡°I¡¯m all alone, Sasha. And I don¡¯t have any reason hiding in the bathroom,¡± said Kaleb tly.

    ¡°I see. And I guess you find me so absurd right now,¡± Sasha muttered.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°The fact that I¡¯m talking to you right now, it¡¯s absurd. At least after what I learned today, I should stay away from you, right?¡±

    ¡°Why would you do that?¡± Kaleb queried.

    Fuck! Was he serious? Sasha thought.

    ¡°Because I¡¯m being a bitch right now. Calling and texting a guy with a girlfriend in the middle of the night is nothing but stupidity. I¡¯m sorry, have a goodnight.¡± She was mad, at herself mostly.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Kaleb said briskly and she obliged. ¡°I like talking to you, Sasha. I¡¯m not sure if there¡¯s any problem with us talking, though. Is there?¡±

    Fuck him!

    ¡°Kaleb, goodnight.¡± she said. Nothing wrong? Is he serious? She thought.

    ¡°Wait,¡± he said again, ¡°Will you still have dinner with me¡­ Tomorrow?¡±

    Sasha breathed deeply, ¡°Goodnight Kaleb¡± she repeated and hung up, feeling so frustrated.

    What an asshole!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    Sasha sat in the ssroom, waiting for her professor toe in. She had a long day ahead of her because she still had to go take care of some orders for her customers and she couldn¡¯t wait for the day to be over. It had already been a week since Kaleb¡¯s party and had not seen him since then. Sasha didn¡¯t know if she should be angry or sad about it. If it were some other guy, she¡¯d have talked to Tilly about it, but that wasn¡¯t the case this time. As curious as Tilly was, she¡¯d want to know who the guy was and Sasha didn¡¯t think her reaction would be good when she found out that it was her brother.

    So instead, work became her greatpanion. This was her business. This was her dream, her passion, and she couldn¡¯t wait to improve, expand it, and live it to the fullest. But for now preparing for her test and focusing on her business was the only thing on her te.

    She wished it was easy though, because as much as she tried, whenever she closed her eyes, Kaleb was still a huge part of her thoughts. A few course mates said hello to her as they walked to their seats and Sasha smiled and nodded in return.

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy, Sasha. Definitely crazy!¡± she mumbled to herself. She began thinking of how pathetic her life was. Her life had been an empty shell in need of something adventurous and spontaneous. But what was it? Traveling? Oh no, she hated traveling on her own and Tilly wasn¡¯t ready for it.

    And now she was thinking of nothing but someone else¡¯s boyfriend. Sheughed incredulously while staring at her phone with Kaleb¡¯s contact name disyed. What was she thinking now? Was she that desperate?

    ¡°What the fuck, Sasha Sullivan?¡± she hummed. She felt the urge to call him, talk to him, and provoke him even . . . Even though she knew that he wasn¡¯t the man for her. Without thinking further, she touched the dial pad but before the call could connect, she hung up.

    Oh¡­ That was close, she thought. She should really stop doing these stupid things and having these stupid thoughts, she told herself. A few secondster, someone slipped into the seat beside her and Sasha closed her eyes, hoping that whoever it was wouldn¡¯t try to start a conversation with her because she wasn¡¯t in the mood.

    ¡°You look bored as fuck¡± the person said, ¡°But I don¡¯t me you though. If I had to sit in a boring ssroom all morning waiting for a professor in 100% sure is also boring, I¡¯d feel worse than you do right now¡±

    Sasha didn¡¯t even need to turn to figure out who it was. That deep voice filled withughter was enough to identify who it was.

    Kaleb.

    Did she just summon him just by thinking about him? Like a ghost? What the fuck was he doing here at her school¡­ And in her ssroom. She turned to face him and he returned her gaze with a smile on his face that made her want to punch him.

    He was casual. Jet ck jeans and gray body fit t-shirt was a sight to behold on his resplendent body. The kind of sight that no woman would have resisted to look twice.

 10

    Sasha¡¯s lips curled into a hard line. ¡°What are you doing here, Kaleb?¡± she asked with a frown. ¡°Are you stalking me?¡±

    Kaleb smirked, ¡°You wish?¡± he said, ¡°I am not a coward, Sasha, so I don¡¯t stalk people. I walk up to them and say hello. Just like I¡¯m doing right now.¡± he paused, ¡°Hello Miss Sullivan. How are you doing today?¡±

    Sasha wanted to p that arrogant smirk right off his face. The audacity of this man. It was strange because it annoyed her and yet amused her at the same time.

    ¡°So it¡¯s a coincidence that you¡¯re here in my lecture hall¡­ At the same time that I¡¯m supposed to be having a lecture?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it is a coincidence¡± he replied smugly, ¡°You know¡­ It could just be the universe doing its thing. Who are we to stand in the way?¡±

    Sasha scoffed, ¡°The universe?¡± she repeated, ¡°You don¡¯t really believe in things like that, do you?¡±

    Kaleb shrugged, ¡°Would it be such a bad thing if I did?¡±

    Sasha had had enough. She mmed her book shut with more force than necessary. ¡°Stop ying games with me, Kaleb¡± she said, shooting daggers at him with her eyes, ¡°And stop answering my questions with another question. Now tell me what the hell you are doing here. If you are looking for Tilly, you should know that even though we attend the same school, we¡¯re not in the same department or studying the same course so she is not here. I¡¯m telling you just in case you¡¯ve forgotten how school works. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised¡­ Given how old you are, I¡¯m sure things worked differently in your time.¡±

    Kaleb grinned, ¡°You know, for a beautifuldy like you, you say some really hurtful things. It¡¯s not nice to call people old, you know. Are you that way with everyone or is it just me?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s another question. I swear to god, Kaleb¡­. I will-¡±

    ¡°Okay.. Okay. Calm down tigress. Fine. I didn¡¯te to see Tilly. I¡¯m here to see you¡±

    Sasha tried not to react to this information even if her stupid, little heart did a weird dance, ¡°And why is that?¡± she said instead.

    ¡°I can¡¯t visit a friend?¡± he asked, and when Sasha raised an eyebrow, he added, ¡°Yeah sorry¡­ Another question. I can¡¯t help it, they just keeping. Look, I would really want us to have that dinner. I would have called but I had a feeling that you wouldn¡¯t pick up¡±

    Sasha contemted telling him that he was wrong. That she was already thinking of calling him when he arrived, but she decided that it was better if he didn¡¯t have that information. The man was arrogant enough already and it wouldn¡¯t do her any good to add to it. He definitely didn¡¯t need an ego boost.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea,¡± she said.

    ¡°Why not?¡± he asked.

    Sasha wanted to scream. What the hell did he mean by why not? What part of ¡® you have a girlfriend¡¯ did he not understand?

    ¡°What time do you finish sses today?¡± he asked, without waiting for her reply.

    Sasha looked away from him. ¡°It¡¯s not just the sses. I have to workter in the day and I¡¯ll be very tired afterwards. I won¡¯t be able to go out after all that¡±

    Kaleb nodded, ¡°What if Ie over and help you¡± he suggested, ¡°Just like I did the other day¡±

    She was going to be alone with him, Sasha thought. Hell no. She shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea, either, Kaleb¡±

    He frowned, ¡°You keep saying no to everything I say. Are you avoiding me, Sasha?¡±

    How dare he make such an assumption! Yeah, it was true, but how dare he! ¡°I don¡¯t have any reason to do that¡± she lied, ¡°I just think it would be better if you don¡¯te¡±

    ¡°Did I do a bad job the other day?¡±

    ¡°No. You are perfect¡­ I mean.. You were perfect. Oh Kaleb, can you please just stop asking me all these questions¡± she said. ¡°Why do you have to be so stubborn?¡±

    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking. This is a case of a pot calling the kettle ck¡± He chuckled, then leaned closer, and said softly, ¡°Please say yes, Sasha. It¡¯s just dinner. I won¡¯t be a nuisance. I promise¡±

    Sasha closed her eyes, inhaling the amazing scent of him and his aftershave. ¡°Fine. You can pick me up at my ce by nine in the evening. You better be early because I¡¯d like to go home early too.¡±

    Kaleb smiled triumphantly, like a toddler who just received a new toy, ¡°I will be there. Just forward your address to me¡±

    Sasha opened her mouth to say something, but her professor walked in that very moment and Kaleb grinned, ¡°Ah¡­ Ah¡­ Ah¡± he said, and ced his index finger on her lips to shut her up, ¡°You don¡¯t want to be noisy during the lecture, do you?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Asshole! Sasha murmured and as she brushed his finger away, willing the tingling to stop. She tried to pay attention to the man in front of the ss. She expected Kaleb to leave, but he made no effort to stand at all. She struggled for five minutes before she couldn¡¯t take it anymore.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have other ces to be right now?¡± she asked, without looking at him.

    ¡°Unfortunately, I do¡± Kaleb right, ¡°I just stayed to make sure I was right about what I said earlier¡­. and I was right. Your professor is indeed very boring. If I had to sit here like you do, who knows what I¡¯d do, but don¡¯t worry about that. You have me all to yourself tonight and I¡¯ll show you a good time.¡±

    He stood before she could reply, and walked out¡­ Leaving nothing but the lingering scent of his perfume.

    ¡°So arrogant,¡± Sasha murmured, but she couldn¡¯t deny the fact that she also found him and his attitude very amusing. That proved her suspicions.

    She was crazy¡­.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Kaleb showed up at nine that evening, and Sasha smiled when she heard his car outside. Right on time, she said to herself, and not a minutete. That was a good thing. Too bad he was already in a rtionship. She told herself that repeatedly.

    He¡¯s not avable¡­.. She had to remember that.

 11

    Sasha had chosen a dress she knew to be a perfectly suitable albeit very unexciting dress. It was a ck shift, high-necked and under a matching jacket. Unrevealing. She had also put her hair in a ponytail, as she didn¡¯t want to look like she was trying to attract him in any way. This was dinner between friends -or what everyone the hell they were, and nothing more.

    Sasha opened her door to face Kaleb. He was wearing a white shirt tucked into ck trousers, with ck shoes to match, and as always he looked spectacr.

    ¡®He is not avable,¡¯ Sasha reminded herself again.

    ¡°Hi¡± she said shyly and hated the way her voice sounded. She suddenly felt thirsty.

    ¡°Hello beautiful¡± Kaleb replied with that deeply sexy voice.

    For the second time that day Sasha looked up into those eyes. Those eyes that she hadn¡¯t been able to get out of her head for weeks now, and her mouth turned dry, her hands mmy. Her reaction to Kaleb was rming. Normally, she had no time for frivolous flirtations, and she couldn¡¯t understand why this man was having such an extreme effect on her even until now¡­. Fucking yearster. Other men flirted with her and asked her out, and she dismissed them with barely a ripple of acknowledgement or reaction. But this was different. And it scared her somehow.

    Kaleb took her hand in his muchrger one, but instead of shaking it like she thought he was going to, he bent his head, his eyes never leaving hers. Sasha saw what he was going to do as if in slow motion, but still the feel of his mouth on the back of her cool hand sent shockwaves through her entire body. Immediately she tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn¡¯t let her go. He straightened slowly. She felt his index finger uncurl to caress the point under the wrist where her pulse beat fast, and then he let her hand go. The gesture was fleeting but utterly earth-shattering.

    He didn¡¯t break their eye contact and Sasha bristled. His eyes swept down, taking in her outfit, then his eyes met hers again.

    ¡°You look amazing, Sasha,¡± he said.

    ¡°And so do you¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to take off your coat? It¡¯s warm, isn¡¯t it?¡± he added.

    Warm!

    She could feel a trickle of sweat roll down between her breasts as if his words had just turned the atmosphere into a sauna. ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡± she replied.

    But all at once the jacket which had felt positively lightweight now felt like a bear skin.  Her eyes wanted to look their fill of his broad, lean body, wanted to rest and dwell and see if he filled out his shirt as well as she suspected he did. Who was she kidding? As well as she knew he did. She didn¡¯t have to look to feel thetent power of his taut body envelop her in waves.

    Before she knew what she was doing, she felt her hande up in a telling gesture to smooth her hair behind her ear. It was a nervous habit. His eyes narrowed and followed her movement, and Sasha flushed. Damn. She did not want to look like she was in any way aware of him.

    A smile quirked his mouth. ¡°Your hair is perfectly¡­tidy.¡± Kaleb said.

    Was heughing at her? She felt like he was, so she red up at him. Her hand dropped. ¡°Can we go, Kaleb. Remember I said that I¡¯d like to be back home early?¡±

    ¡°Oh right¡± he said and stepped out of the way so she could lock her door.

    They walked silently to his car. He opened the door for her and his hand lightly brushed her way as she got in. If it was on purpose, she had no idea because his expression revealed nothing.

    When he got into the driver¡¯s seat and drove off, he nced at her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked gently, his eyes unusually soft.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay now.¡± Sasha nodded with a faint smile.

    ¡°Now?¡± He raised a single eyebrow at that, some glow on his face.

    ¡°Yeah. Now that-¡± Sasha stammered.

    What did he want to hear? She debated inside.

    Kaleb smiled gently. ¡°Okay, fine I won¡¯t press the issue.¡±

    He stretched his right hand out for her, keeping his left on the steering wheel. She obliged without thinking twice, his warm palm clutching hers as he drove.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Sasha asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to wait and see?¡± Kaleb quizzed

    ¡°Is this a joyride?¡± Sasha grinned.

    Kaleb scowled, amused.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Er . . . I meant okay, I¡¯m fine if it¡¯s a joyride,¡± she murmured, flushing with embarrassment. ¡°But don¡¯t be surprised if I sleep off¡±

    ¡°Do you always sleep off during a long drive?¡± Kaleb eyed her with a mocking smile.

    ¡°Oh really, now?¡± Sasha prompted, sarcasmcing her voice as she inspected the dashboard of his car like a little girl. ¡°In case you have forgotten, I have to be back early, so do whatever you want with that information.¡± She turned the stereo on.

    ¡°Fair point,¡± Kaleb said. ¡°But don¡¯t sleep off. This is the first time you¡¯ll be going on a ride with me, and first impressions tell a lot of a person, in most cases.¡±

    His attention was half on the road and the rest on her.

    ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t argue,¡± Sasha uttered as she reclined back. ¡°I do love sleeping during long rides.¡± She decided to drop the matter, and Kaleb looked happy to win the round.

    It took fifteen minutes with the two riding on the road while talking of anything that came to mind. In the end it was enjoyable, and as expected by Kaleb, Sasha indeed fell asleep.

    ¡°Hey, sleepyhead,¡± Kaleb uttered ten minutes after she slept off. ¡°We are here!¡±

    ¡°Hmm . . . already?¡± Sasha snuggled, squinting her eyes at the blinding streetlights. She couldn¡¯t believe that she¡¯d actually slept off and that he¡¯d let her sleep. ¡°I¡¯m very sorry that I slept off. I didn¡¯t mean to honestly¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright Sasha. You were tired. You told me you had a lot to do today, but you still came out to be with me. It¡¯s totally fine.¡±

    ¡°I thought you said it was a joyride?¡±

    ¡°Shall we go back on the road then?¡± Kaleb teased, his face closer to hers.

 12

    Sasha managed to sh her eyes open and his smile took her breath away. God, why was he so beautiful? She could feel her body heat rising, her lips getting dry. She quickly averted her gaze, biting her lip.

    ¡°Um . . . why are we here?¡± she suddenly snapped in surprise, discerning the ce they were at.

    A shy building, several gs of different states, and a big name of a famous . . . Hotel? Sasha¡¯s eyes widened. She quickly faced Kaleb.

    ¡°Stop having those wild fantasies, will you? Let¡¯s have dinner; there¡¯s a nice restaurant in this hotel,¡± Kaleb said wittingly,ughing at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not fantasizing about anything.¡± Sasha smiled pathetically and clutched the door handle. ¡°Damn him,¡± she mumbled under her breath while making an exit.

    The food was splendid, much to Sasha¡¯s content. The conversation took a different turn this time, from work to private life. Each of them was curious to know about the other and didn¡¯t hesitate to ask when due.

    ¡°So how was ss today after I left?¡± asked Kaleb, his eyes tentative on Sasha¡¯s.

    ¡°It was fine. Normal¡­ As a lecture should be,¡± Sasha answered curtly while chewing the grilled pork cutlets.

    Seeing Kaleb frowning, she instantly cleared, ¡°What? I did not miss or notice your absence if that¡¯s what you¡¯re curious about.¡± Her smile was teasing.

    ¡°I¡¯m not curious,¡± Kaleb said tly.

    ¡°You¡¯re not?¡± Sasha raised a mocking eyebrow, fully aware of his lie. ¡°But your face says otherwise.¡±

    Smiling, Kaleb shook his head to the sides, amused by all her insistence. He slowly sipped the wine without abandoning her fine eyes. There was something mesmerizing about her, Kaleb thought to himself, but he had no idea what it was. He just enjoyed looking at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m really not curious, trust me.¡± He narrowed his gaze, and his eyes glowed at the sparkling lights of the restaurant, gold and smooth.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Sasha sighed, taking another bite onto her mouth, devouring the sulent taste.

    ¡°But I disagree that you didn¡¯t notice my absence.¡± He added, ¡°In fact, I think that you not only did you notice, but you missed me too.¡±

    Sasha red at him, ¡°No I did not¡± she insisted, ¡°Don¡¯t kid yourself. I go to school all the time and never once thought about you. I don¡¯t think your ten minute presence will do any difference¡±

    ¡°You love arguing a lot, don¡¯t you?¡± Kaleb muttered, his gaze on her moving lips.

    Was she eating like a refugee? Sasha wondered as his eyes became too intense. ¡°I do, when I have a point to prove.¡± She wiped her mouth softly with a napkin.

    ¡°Do you have a boyfriend?¡± Kaleb blurted suddenly.

    Oh, so his guess was correct! Kaleb¡¯s lips twitched into a smile, recalling the vague background check he¡¯d done on her after she¡¯d left his party. He had to know more about her, because she was a bit mysterious.

    He didn¡¯t understand what the hell was going on between her and Samson either. There was something about the way Samson stared at her that he didn¡¯t like, and then she had confused him further when she¡¯d let him kiss her. Not that she looked innocent. Hell no, she was far from an innocent girl from a parish neighborhood, who was afraid of men. Especially men of his kind . . . Rich and controlling.

    She was definitely wild, and it drove him insane whenever he¡¯d thick of that bold kiss and the feel of her body in his arms. She would make a very goodpanion in his bed.

    ¡°Why are you staring at me like that? You¡¯re young, beautiful, and smart, I believe; so, it¡¯s only natural to have someone.¡± He reclined back, staring deeply into her.

    ¡°Maybe I have a high standard,¡± Sasha muttered.

    Heughed hard. ¡°Really? That¡¯s a lot to take in,¡± he remarked, and she only shrugged.

    A short silence settled.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Sasha asked a momentter. ¡°Does your girlfriend know that you¡¯re here right now?¡±

    And counterattacked when he least expected. ¡°She doesn¡¯t need to,¡± Kaleb quipped, ¡°because we have a mutual understanding.¡±

    Sasha bit her lip irritated. ¡°Oh, like some kind of an open rtionship?¡± she asked.

    She¡¯s a smart brat, too. Kaleb smirked.

    ¡°Sure, we can go with that,¡± he replied heedlessly and she scowled at him.

    Annoyed with the subject, Sasha downed her ss in one go. ¡°I see,¡± she uttered.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Easy there!¡± Kaleb gasped at the sight. ¡°This Chardonnay is a little strong.¡±

    ¡°I know. And I love the strong.¡± She snorted.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s interesting.¡± Kaleb smiled.

    Fuck, she was wild!

    ¡°Sure,¡± Sasha muttered and rolled her eyes at him.

    It was the end of conversation, for which Kaleb kept smiling at her sulking face. She was beguiling and he was barely holding it.

    ¡°Is something wrong? Why are you quiet?¡± Kaleb asked.

    Sasha red sternly at him. ¡°No, everything is fine.¡± She grinned while raising a ss to prove her statement, before mumbling, ¡°What a moron!¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Kaleb chuckled.

    That foul mouth needed to be fixed, he thought and imagined several ways to make it shut.

    ¡°Nothing, the weather is very nice.¡±

    ¡°The weather?¡± Heughed hard, highly entertained.

    ¡°Yeah, the weather! Can we go now? I think I¡¯m done,¡± Sasha said, tiredly, and, evidently pissed for some reason only she knew.

    Kaleb drove her back home in an awful silence that she herself instigated. He kept staring at her from time to time, however, with a smile that wasn¡¯t returned. Man, she was begrudging.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think twice to call me when you need another¡­. Joyride,¡± he said, teasingly.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Sasha retorted.

    Ignoring his smiley face, Sasha collected her bag. ¡°Thank you for today, Kaleb. I mean it,¡± she whispered while unclosing the door.

    ¡°My pleasure,¡± he muttered, and that heat of her sparkling eyes staring at him so tenderly began surging. How he wanted to grab her and kiss the hell out of her lips and every ce that could possibly be kissed.

    ¡°Drive safe.¡± She grinned at him, and he returned it with a soft nod, same as his smile.

    ¡°Easy, Kaleb,¡± he breathed, watching her waving goodbye as she neared the entrance to her apartment. What the hell was he doing? he thought. Then without thinking, he got out of his car and went after her.

 13

    Sasha looked surprised to see him behind her. ¡°what¡­ What are you doing?¡± she asked, genuinely surprised.

    ¡°Walking you to your door and inside your house¡± Kaleb replied simply.

    Sasha rolled her eyes and inserted her key into the lock. Her hands were shaking a little and she hoped that he wouldn¡¯t notice because it would be so embarrassing for him to know how much he affected her just by being around. To mask her feelings, she said, as she finally unlocked the door and pushed it open. ¡°Oh, did you just suddenly be a gentleman? Why didn¡¯t you think of walking me to my door when I got out of your car¡±

    Kaleb smirked, and walked in after her without waiting for an invitation, pushing the door shut with his foot. ¡°Because I was trying to stop myself from doing this¡­.¡±

    With his finger under her chin, no other parts of their bodies touching, he bent his head to hers. Past, present and future collided in the moment that her eyelids fluttered closed, and she felt his mouth touch hers. It was a brief press of his lips to hers, a testing, tasting. But it ignited a me of raw desire along every one of Sasha¡¯s veins. When he drew back slightly, she made a treacherous sound in her throat.

    ¡°Good night, Sasha¡± said Kaleb, trying to get some of the much needed control back, then he turned towards the door.

    Sasha had no idea why, but found herself calling his name. He half-turned.

    ¡°I just¡­I just wanted to say thank you for dinner.¡± she whispered.

    The sound of her voice¡­ That did it for him. He walked back up towards her with an intensity of movement that belied his easy departure just now. For a second she thought he was going toe right up to her and kiss her again. She took a step back, feeling a mixture of panic and anticipation, with her heart thumping, but he stopped just short of her. He reached out a hand to stroke her cheek and she found herself wanting to turn her cheek into his palm. But then his hand was gone. And his eyes were glittering in the dark.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Sasha. But don¡¯t get toocent. We will be meeting again, I can promise you that.¡±

    He turned again and strode back. Out the door and back to his car. He got in, shut the door and the car pulled away.

    Sasha just stood where he¡¯d left her, her mouth open. Heat flooded her body and something much worse-relief. She knew now that she had called his name and said thanks, because something about watching him walk away had affected her profoundly. She had an uncontroble urge to stop him.

    She had to face it-even though she¡¯d been telling herself she had to find a way not to be interested in him. He was smashing through the veritable wall she¡¯d built around herself and it was frightening how, in the space of weeks, she found herself in a situation where she was actually feeling disappointed that he hadn¡¯t kissed her. Her cool poise was suddenly very shaky.

    By the time she was standing in her tiny galley-kitchen the next morning drinking her wake-up cup of tea, she felt much more in control. She swallowed thest of her tea and grimaced as she washed out the cup and reminded herself that she had to get her damn act together.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°What took you so damn long?¡± Tilly asked as she opened the front door to Sasha¡¯s house so Sasha coulde in, ¡°I¡¯ve been sitting here for an hour waiting for you. You know the movie starts in two hours, right?¡±

    Sasha hurried past her into the living room, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Tilly¡± she said, ¡°There were lots of customers at the food truck. You know I only have one assistant at the moment, and Miriam wasn¡¯t even around for long today.¡± she looked at the te on the table and smiled, turning to look at Tilly, ¡°I see you found the chicken in the fridge¡± she added.

    Tilly grinned and went back to sit on the couch, ¡°You should be d I left some for you. Thirty minutes more and I would have eaten all of it.¡±

    Sasha grinned back at her. ¡°Well, thank you very much,¡± she said sarcastically. ¡°But enjoy, I¡¯m going to take a shower before I get ready for the movie¡±

    ¡°Oh wait,¡± Tilly said as Sasha began to move towards her bedroom, ¡°Something was delivered for you. Flowers¡­I didn¡¯t know you had an admirer¡­ Ora potential boyfriend¡±

    Sasha¡¯s heart began to beat a little faster, ¡°Flowers?¡± she repeated.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s on the table over there,¡± Tilly replied.

    Sasha wasn¡¯t sure who had sent them, but she had a wild idea who it could be. This was exactly the kind of crazy thing Kaleb was capable of, and she didn¡¯t know if Tilly knew who it hade from. She hurried to the table Tilly spoke of, and of course there on top of it, was the biggest bunch of flowers she¡¯d ever seen in her life. Her bag and phone slid from her fingers onto the table. How the hell had she not seen it when she came in? With a trembling hand, she plucked the card free from amongst the ridiculously extravagant blooms.

    She cast a quick look backwards, and of course Tilly was still sitting, but she was staring at her with a mischievous look in her eyes. Sasha ripped the envelope open and took out the card, which was of such luxurious quality that it felt about an inch thick between her fingers. All that was written on the card in beautiful calligraphy was one mystifying letter: ¡®I¡­¡¯

    She waspletely and utterly bemused. Her dread was that they would be from Kaleb. But the card was enigmatic. They could actually be from anyone.

    ¡°So¡­. Who are the flowers from?¡± asked Tilly, the silly look still on her face. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you have a boyfriend and you didn¡¯t tell me about it.¡±

    Sasha turned to face her immediately, ¡°No. No¡­ I definitely do not have a boyfriend¡± she said, thinking hard.

    Tilly did not look convinced at all. ¡°Really? Then who sent the flowers? A genie?¡±

 14

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know,¡± said Sasha. ¡°I guess maybe it¡¯s some secret admirer like you said who doesn¡¯t know how to tell me how he feels¡­ something like that. The person didn¡¯t even say anything in the note¡±

    ¡°An that¡¯s cute and mysterious,¡± said Tilly, and Sasha was indeed very grateful that Kaleb, If he was indeed the one who had sent it, hadn¡¯t put anything else in the note. It would have been really messy if she tried to exin to Tilly that something had happened between her and her brother -who had a girlfriend by the way. She had to try not to forget that part, but she found herself asking Tilly, ¡°What do you think about Kaleb¡¯s girlfriend, ire. Do you like her?¡±

    Tilly frowned, ¡°No I don¡¯t. In fact I don¡¯t see what Kaleb sees in her. She¡¯s very obnoxious and in a very weird way, but that¡¯s Kaleb¡¯s business not mine. It¡¯s not like he will listen to me if I say anything. I hope he keeps her far away from me. She¡¯s too nosey for my liking. Why do you ask?¡±

    Sasha looked away. ¡°Oh nothing.¡± she said hurriedly. ¡°I was just asking, that¡¯s all. Just curious. Let me take a shower so we can go see that movie.¡±

    For the rest of the evening Sasha was like a cat on a hot tin roof. Distracted. The following day at the food truck, another flower delivery arrived. Sasha¡¯s heart stopped. It was like groundhog day. She went into the truck with a palpitating heart and shut the door firmly behind her. Another bunch of flowers. Slightly different, but as extravagant as yesterday¡¯s. Her hands were sweating as she repeated the process of opening the envelope and taking out the card. This one read: ¡®will¡­¡¯

    By the end of the week, Sasha sat at the table in her sitting room and felt a little numb. The smell of flowers was overpowering in the tiny room. A vase sat in the center of the table abundant with blooms. And also on the table in front of her, neatly lined up in a row, were the five cards that had apanied a different bunch of flowers every single day of the week.

    All together, they now made sense: ¡®I will see you tonight¡¯.

    But of course she¡¯d known what the full meaning of the cards was when she¡¯d received the fifth one that morning. All day she¡¯d experienced a fizzing in her veins and a sick churning in her belly. She¡¯d vaguely thought of going to the cinema, or seeing if friends wanted to go out, anything to avoid being at home where she was sure he was going to call. An awful sense of inevitability washed over her. She wasn¡¯t ready for this. She would just have to make him see that and send him on his way. But still¡­the gesture, the flowers, and his obvious intention to go through all that trouble just to send her a message that he wanted to see her, was nothing short of overwhelming.

    Her phone rang shrilly in the silence and she jumped violently, her heart immediately hammering. Her mouth was dry. It was Tilly, ¡°Hello?¡± she said, trying hard to keep her voice calm.

    ¡°What¡¯s this thing I hear about you receiving more flowers from that secret admirer person?¡± Tilly asked.

    Sasha sagged onto the arm of her sofa. Tilly was always guaranteed to raise her hackles. ¡°How did you know there were more?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Miriam told me¡± Tilly replied, ¡°And I¡¯m surprised that you didn¡¯t. Since when did you start keeping things from me, Sasha?¡±

    ¡°Because there¡¯s nothing to tell. Nothing is going on.¡± The betraying vision of her house full to the roof with flowers made her wince. She hated lying to her best friend this way. ¡°Look, if anything worth telling happens, you¡¯ll be the first to know, and I¡¯m going to kill Miriam for not minding her business¡±

    ¡°Oh please¡± said Tilly, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be mad at her. I think I was curious so I asked her too many questions¡±.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Sasha heard her doorbell ring and she automatically went to answer it. ¡°Like I said, there¡¯s nothing to tell.¡±

    The anxiety was making her stressed and she knew her voice was rising. She struggled for a minute with the habitually stiff lock, and tucked the phone between her neck and shoulder to use both hands. ¡°I am a fully grown woman and I can see who I want, go where I want, and have sex with who I want whenever I please so can we stop talking about this?¡±

    The door finally opened. Her words hung on the cool evening air as she took in the devastatingly gorgeous sight of Kaleb Luthor just standing there, turning her inner-city enve into something much more exotic. Her heart-rate soared. She¡¯d almost forgotten all about him in the space of thest few seconds, and the high emotion Tilly had been evoking. In her shock she lifted her head and her phone dropped to the ground with a tinny tter.

    Kaleb swiftly bent and picked it up.

    An irate voice could be heard: ¡®Sasha? Sasha!¡¯

    Sasha couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Kaleb. She took her phone back, lifted it to her ear and said vaguely, ¡°Tilly. I¡¯ll call you back, OK?¡±

    Words resounded in her head: toote to escape now.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    By the time Sasha had stepped back into her house, followed by a tall, dark and imposing Kaleb Luthor, the shock was rapidly wearing off. She crossed her arms and rounded on him with a scowl on her face. Once again he was demonstrating that ability to suck in the space around him and make everything seem more intense-dwarfed. She tried to block out the fact that he was quite simply the most handsome man who¡¯d ever stood feet away from her and looked at her with an intensity that bordered on being indecent.

    ¡°That phone call was a conversation that shouldn¡¯t have had to happen. And it was all your fault.¡± she scolded.

    He inclined his head slightly. He looked huge in her tiny sitting room. ¡°I apologize, but, as all I heard was the intriguingst sentence, you¡¯ll have to forgive me as I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ve done. And we certainly haven¡¯t had sex yet.¡±

 15

    Sasha flushed when she recalled what she¡¯d been saying to his sister as she¡¯d opened the door. ¡°Do you know that that was Tilly, your sister on the phone?¡±

    Defensive, angry energy radiated off her in waves. She could almost see them, like a heat haze. He shook his head, his eyes never leaving hers, hypnotizing her.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°No. I wasn¡¯t aware of that. At least not until I heard her voice just now. But it¡¯s not such a big deal, is it?¡±

    Sashaughed out loud. ¡°Not a big deal? Are you even thinking about anyone else but yourself, for God¡¯s sake.¡±

    He started to shrug off his big, ck overcoat and proceeded to whip out a bottle of wine from somewhere, like a magician. Panic flowed through Sasha. She put out her hands as if that might halt him. ¡± What do you think you¡¯re doing? Stop taking off your coat right now.¡±

    She shook her head emphatically.¡± No way; you are noting in here with a bottle of wine, and we are not going to be having a cozy chat.¡±

    For a big man he moved swiftly and gracefully. His coat was already draped over one arm, the bottle of red wine in one hand, long fingers visible. She remembered him holding her hands, entwining those fingers with hers. A pulse throbbed between her legs.

    She looked up at him and knew she must look slightly desperate-she felt desperate.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind where we go, Sasha, but I¡¯vee all this way to see you, so you¡¯re not getting away.¡±

    His voice was like deep velvet over steel. He meant what he said. She gulped. ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked weakly. He was threatening and invading every aspect of what had been up till now her impregnable defense.

    Kaleb restrained himself from telling her exactly what he wanted. He didn¡¯t want to frighten her off. But what he wanted very much involved a lot less clothes and a t, preferably soft surface. She was dressed all in ck, her hair tied back. Not a shirt this time, but a roll-neck top that effectively concealed everything. And yet the material had to be cashmere or something, because it clung to her torso and chest, and he could see the proper shape of  her. The thrust of her breasts against the fabric was sensual torture. They were perfectly formed, high and firm. He could imagine that they would fill his hands like ripe, sulent fruits, their tips hardening against the palm of his hand¡­He mmed the door on his rampant imaginings. His arousal was springing to life. He forced himself to sound reasonable, calm.

    ¡°What I would like, Sasha, is to share this bottle of wine with you and to talk. We can go somewhere else if you¡¯d prefer.¡±

    Sasha looked at him suspiciously, hating this invasion of her space. He was as immovable as a rock. If they went somewhere else that would involve more time. If they stayed here, he¡¯d be gone sooner. She made her reluctant decision and reached out a hand.

    ¡°We might as well stay here. It¡¯s a Friday night; most ces in town would be like cattle markets by now¡± she said.

    Despite her obviousck of delight at the prospect, Kaleb carefully masked the intense surge of triumph he felt and handed over the wine, even being careful to make sure their hands didn¡¯t touch, knowing that could set him back. Damn! This woman was like an assault on his every sense.

    As Sasha went into the kitchen, she was aware of him moving into the sitting room, hands in the pockets of his trousers and looking around. She sent him a surreptitious nce. He was dressed smartly-dark trousers and a light shirt, top button open as if he¡¯d discarded a tie somewhere. He must havee straight from work-on a private ne? Somehow she couldn¡¯t imagine him queueing up with lesser mortals for a scheduled flight. He was the kind of man who would stride across the tarmac and climb into a sleek, snazzy jet.

    ¡°You got my flowers, I see.¡± Kaleb said.

    Sasha¡¯s hand stilled on the bottle opener for a moment. She looked at him. ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± She cringed inwardly. Had he seen the cards allid out in a row on the table as he¡¯de in? ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have, though. Tilly saw the first one and asked questions. I¡¯d really prefer it if you didn¡¯t.¡±

    God, she sounded so uptight. And what was to say he¡¯d ever send her flowers again anyway? ¡°As you can see, this house isn¡¯t exactly big enough to take them.¡±

    Kaleb was quiet for a while, then he said, ¡°No, I guess not. I¡¯m sorry if I embarrassed you, Sasha, I merely wanted to show you that I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ I guess I wanted to do something¡­ Nice¡­ Romantic¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Sasha stabbed the cork with the bottle opener. ¡°It¡¯s fine; forget it. The old-folks¡¯ home around the corner were delighted, as they got the other half of the flower shop you sent.¡± She sent him a small, rueful smile then, unable to help herself. She didn¡¯t like being ungrateful for gifts.

    Kaleb was looking at her with an arrested expression on his face, his eyes intent on the area of her mouth. Her lips tingled. Sasha¡¯s hands stopped on the cork. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked.

    But then his eyes lifted to hers as if she¡¯d imagined it, and he went back to looking around, ¡°Nothing.¡±

    Eventually she pulled the cork free with a loud pop and got down two sses from her open shelves. She poured the wine and handed him a ss, keeping one for herself.

    He stood looking at her for a long moment and then held his ss out. Her heart thumped at what he might say, but all he said was, ¡°Cheers¡±

    She clinked her ss to his and replied. ¡°Cheers¡±

    They both took a sip. She couldn¡¯t quite believe that he was standing here in front of her. The wine was like liquid velvet, fragrant, round and smooth. Clearly very expensive. Sasha indicated for him to sit on her couch. He did, and dwarfed the three-seater.

 16

    She sat in the armchair opposite. The lighting was soft and low. The space far too intimate. This was her sanctuary, her ce of refuge. And yet, having him here wasn¡¯t generating the effect that she would have expected. She was still a little angry, yes-but more than that was something else, something like excitement.

    She thought of something then as her stomach growled quietly. ¡°Have you eaten?¡± she asked

    Kaleb took another drink from his ss and shook his head. ¡°No.¡± He replied. He just realized then that he¡¯d hardly eaten all day; he¡¯d been so consumed with getting out of work and over here. It made him feel ufortable now.

    Sasha put down her ss and stood up. ¡°I was going to make myself something to eat¡­that is, if you want something, too?¡±

    ¡°That would be great, I¡¯m starving.¡± He smiled, and the room seemed to tilt for a second.

    Sasha picked up her ss and backed into the kitchen, which was just feet away from where he now sat with an arm stretched out over the back of the sofa. At home, as if he dropped in all the time. She couldn¡¯t think of that now.

    ¡°It¡¯s just fish, lemon sole, nothing too exciting. But I have two¡­¡±

    He nodded. ¡°That sounds perfect. Thank you.¡±

    Sasha busied herself turning on the oven and putting potatoes on to boil. When she looked back over to the sitting room, she could see that Kaleb was looking through her books. She had a moment of rity. What was she doing? She was meant to be rushing him out of the house, not cooking him dinner!

    But, she had to concede, it had been easy to ask him. And he had sent her all those amazing flowers. If she was never going to see him in her house after tonight, then what was the harm in a little dinner? She made a mental note to tell him just that at the end of the evening. The sooner they both faced reality, the better for them.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Happy that she¡¯d justified her actions to herself, and not willing to pay attention to the hum of something in her blood, when she heard the musicing from the sound system, she found it soothing rather than scary.

    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind?¡± he asked her.

    She looked over to where Kaleb was hunched down at the system, the material of his trousers and shirt straining over taut, hard muscles in his thighs and back. She shook her head, her mouth feeling very dry.

    ¡°No¡­no.¡± She took another hasty gulp of wine. Oh God.

    By the time Sasha was taking his cleared te from him, and apologizing again that their dinner had been on their knees, she was smiling at something he¡¯d just said. As she¡¯d been preparing the dinner, they¡¯d started up an innocuous conversation, and in the course of eating had managed to touch on films, books,  politics, and sports. She¡¯d found herself telling him about her business, unable to keep the pride from her voice.  She came back and sat down, tucking her legs under her. She¡¯d slipped off her shoes. She felt energized, zingy, as if she could stay up all night.

    To her surprise, she saw Kaleb look at his watch and then he drained his ss of wine. He stood up and Sasha felt unountably disorientated. She stood too. The space between them was electric.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I have to go.¡± He said.

    Sasha immediately felt crushed, silly, exposed. She should have been grinning from ear to ear, racing to hand him his coat, saying good riddance-so why did she feel her stomach hollowing out at the thought?

    ¡°Oh, well. I can imagine you must have some business. Somewhere else you need to be?¡± she asked. Maybe with someone else. The thought of him going to be with another woman made her feel.. Sad.. Jealous. She didn¡¯t know which.

    He shook his head and came close. Sasha couldn¡¯t back away as the chair was just behind her legs. Her heart was thumping so hard she felt it must be visible under her top.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got important meetings all weekend. It¡¯s too boring to go into. But I need to make my flight slot tonight, otherwise I¡¯ll miss my first meeting in the morning.¡±

    Sasha¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°You¡¯re leaving¡­? I mean traveling? Now? To where?¡±

    He nodded. ¡°Yes. To Paris¡±

    The knowledge was having trouble sinking into her brain: he hade just to see her for a few hours. Her shock was obviously transparent.

    He pulled a quirky, sexy smile. ¡°It was worth it, Sasha. Just to see you. I¡¯ve been thinking about you all week. I can¡¯t seem to get you out of my head.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Her powers of speech had been rendered null and void. He wasing closer, making speech even more elusive and unlikely. He was now so close that her head was tipped back to look into those dark, dark eyes. She felt a warm fingere under her chin, stroking the smooth skin, his thumb on her chin. She couldn¡¯t move.

    His scent enveloped her in a haze of desire, desire that she¡¯d never felt before. She fancied that she could hear his heartbeat too. Then he spoke and his voice was harsh. ¡°I told myself I wouldn¡¯t do this now. But¡­I can¡¯t not. You¡¯re more intoxicating to me than anything or anyone I¡¯ve ever known. And all week I¡¯ve been imagining what it would be like.¡±

    She swallowed, ¡°What what would be like?¡± she asked. But she knew. And heaven help her but she¡¯d been imagining it too. She knew she had; she¡¯d just been denying it. He said the words and something awful like relief flowed through her.

    ¡°To kiss you again and make love to you,¡± he replied.

    Sasha¡¯s eyes looked so deep and drowning. Those sootyshes a dark sweep against the creaminess of her cheeks. Her mouth, those full and pouting lips that had just felt the moist touch of her tongue, was tempting him to do the same. She smelled so damned good too: a mixture of some elusive floral scent and a warm and sexy femininity¡­ Kaleb gave a low groan in his throat as he felt his body respond to her, his thighs stirring, hardening, pulsing. Aching!

 17

    ¡°Kaleb¡­?¡±

    Even the way she spoke his name, so huskily, so warily, was arousing. Too much so for Kaleb to be able to resist tasting her. Just one taste, he promised himself. One taste of her lips, with the feel of those slender curves pressed against his much harder ones, the crush of the softness of her breasts against his chest, her thighs against his, and then he would let her go¡­ if she wanted him to.

    Sasha barely had time to do anything before his arms moved about her. He pulled her in tightly against the hardness of his body and his head lowered so that his mouth could im hers.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Fiercely. Hungrily. Crushing, parting her lips beneath his as he deepened the kiss. His tongue surged past her lips and into the heated cavern of her mouth. The hands she had raised clung to him. Her fingers curled into the front of his shirt as she met and returned the intensity of that kiss. Those fingers tightened and she held onto the material for support as desire ripped shockingly through her body. She could feel her breasts swelling, the nipples hard and aching, the warmth between her thighs bing a burning sensation as she felt herself bing wet and swollen with a need she had never known before.

    She could feel the pulse of Kaleb¡¯s arousal against the tness of her stomach as he pressed her even closer against him. Every long, thick, hard inch of him throbbed rhythmically against her, in a promise that would ease the increasing ache between Sasha¡¯s own thighs as he surged powerfully inside her. She was stunned by everything. She felt confused; she could feel herself tremble with reaction. She frowned slightly, her mouth opened.

    Kaleb pressed a finger to her mouth. The softness of her lips and her warm breath made him harder, and he almost groaned out loud with the need to take her now, to sink into her yielding, silky warmth. But he knew that she wasn¡¯t far from letting her head take over, from possibly pushing him away. ¡°Don¡¯t think. Don¡¯t speak. Just feel.¡±

    This time when his mouth touched hers it was slightly open. Breaths mingled and wove together, and for one split second neither of them breathed. And then Kaleb slid his tongue between her lips and Sasha¡¯s hands clutched at his shoulders. When she felt him snake a hand under her top, to feel the skin above her trousers, the curve of her waist, her legs trembled in earnest.

    Their kisses stilled for a second, as if he was waiting to see what signal she would give. She nipped his lower lip gently and she could feel him half-smile against her mouth.

    His hand slid higher over her smooth back, to just below the sp of her bra. His hand was so big she imagined it could span her entire back. With a practiced flick of his wrist and fingers, he opened the sp. Sasha felt her bra loosen, but she was lost in a maelstrom of lust so strong that she wanted nothing more than for him take the weight and fullness of her breast into his palm-which he promptly did, sliding his whole hand around her ribs as if loath not to caress every part of her. The sensation was so shockingly electric that she gasped and wrenched her mouth from his, breathing jerkily.

    His other hand still cradled her head; their bodies were still fused at every conceivable point. She was on her tiptoes to try and keep his hardness there, at the apex of her thighs where a loud, heavy beat of blood called to her.

    She couldn¡¯t do anything but look up into his glittering, aroused gaze as his hand cupped her heavy flesh and his thumb moved back and forth over the tingling, tight peak of her nipple.

    She bit her lip, and he bent his head to whisper hotly in her ear, ¡°I want to take it into my mouth until youe apart in my arms¡­until you¡¯re so wet that sliding into you will be the easiest thing in the world.¡±

    A million things were hurtling into Sasha¡¯s head. Past experiences, warnings, wants and confusion reigned. What was happening to her? She should be shocked, but she wasn¡¯t. She¡¯d never thought in a million years she could respond like this, and yet they had done little more here and now than she¡¯d already experienced at teen discos years ago. But then she surprised herself even further when she whispered back, ¡°Then do it!¡± She couldn¡¯t y games, couldn¡¯t deny that she wanted him. She¡¯d been waiting for this moment for so long.

    Kaleb emitted a guttural sound of satisfaction and pulled her in so tight against him she didn¡¯t know if it was his heartbeat or hers she could feel thumping so loudly and heavily. His mouth seemed to hover over hers for a long moment, as if relishing the anticipation, the moment, and then, with one hand spearing her hair possessively, his mouth nted down onto hers, and Sasha gave herself up to the maelstrom that erupted instantly around them.

    Without really knowing how they¡¯d got there, Sasha found herself standing in her bedroom, facing him. Both were breathing harshly. Her universe had contracted to this moment and this man. Even though it was wrong, it felt utterly right, as necessary as breathing.

    She held her top to her chest, not even knowing how it had be undone, and with a deep ragged breath let it go. She kicked off her shoes trousers and stood before Kaleb in nothing butce pants.

    ¡°Come here,¡± he said throatily.

    Sasha moved forward and started to undo his shirt, fingers grazing and revealing dark olive skin covered in a smattering of dark hair. He was so masculine, and it resonated with something deep within her.

    Recognition of a mate. Her belly quivered. He hadn¡¯t touched her yet, and it was all the more erotic for that. Her breasts felt full and aching and tight, the tips tingling painfully. Kate pushed his shirt off his shoulders and down his arms, and it too joined her shirt in a pool of white on the floor.

    She trailed her hands down across his defined pectorals, felt his indrawn sharp breath as her fingers trailed lower. She looked down, traced his abs lightly, and then bent forward to press a soft kiss to it.

 18

    Kaleb  sucked in a breath at the feel of her lips and her breath there. Her hair fell over one shoulder, and when she stood again he looked greedily at her lush form in all its glory. The waist, feminine hips, beautiful legs¡­up again to surprisingly full breasts. He quite literally ached to touch her, but this sweet anticipation was too exquisite.

    With a voice he barely recognised as his own because it was so full of raw need, he said, ¡°Undress me. Please.¡±

    Sasha looked up into Kaleb¡¯s face. She read the restraint and silently thanked him for it. He was giving her time, letting her dictate the pace. Yet she knew if he threw her on the bed right now and took her with no further ado she¡¯d be ready. She felt indecently damp between her thighs. With other men since Kaleb she¡¯d always felt self-conscious, awkward, but with him it felt natural, right, and that gave her confidence. She had the fleeting wish that she could eradicate all other experiences and make this moment her first time all over again¡­

    Feeling unbearably emotional for a second, she stepped forward and reached up to put her arms around his neck, bringing her breasts into contact with his chest. A shudder of reaction ran through both of them, and it took all of Sasha¡¯s strength to stay standing and say somewhat shakily, belying her outward show of confidence, ¡°I¡¯ll undress you-but first¡­a kiss.¡± she teased.

    Kaleb couldn¡¯t resist. He smoothed his hands over her slender arms, then down over the bare curve of her waist and hips, settling on her behind, drawing her close. He dipped his head and met her mouth with his, and within seconds the mes of desire were igniting around them, their tongues dancing feverishly. Sasha forgot about teasing and restraint. She strained upwards on tiptoe to try and get even closer, pressing herself against Kaleb blindly, seeking more, seeking to assuage the urgent need building deep in her core.

    Without breaking contact she brought her hands down between them to his trousers, found the opening, careless in her haste, dragging his trousers down impatiently over lean hips. His hands had gone under her panties, molding the cheeks of her bottom, making her arch into him, thwarting her attempts to drag down his trousers.

    ¡°Kaleb¡­¡± She almost sobbed with frustration, not even sure what was hampering her, only knowing that she didn¡¯t want to stop touching him for a second. To lose contact with that hot skin, that heavenly musky scent, would be like depriving herself of oxygen.

    His hands came up to her arms and put her back slightly. She felt dizzy, and they were both breathing as if they¡¯d just been running.

    ¡°Sasha¡­¡± He sounded hoarse, surprised and slightly bewildered.

    ¡°How could I have denied myself this for so long¡­?¡±

    With indecent haste he brought his hands to his trousers and finished what Sasha couldn¡¯t do. Finally he stood before her, naked and proud, virility oozing from every pore. Sasha looked down and her throat went dry as she took him in in all his glory. She looked up again, and even though the room was dark she could see the expression on his face, the look in his darkened eyes. Passion and desire zed forth-for her.

    She was feeling suddenly weak, and as if he sensed it Kaleb took her hand and led her over to the bed, through the  curtains that had been drawn down. Surrounded by the gauzy material, the bed was like a cocoon, an oasis of pleasure. Sashay back and watched as Kaleb stretched over her. He smoothed back her hair and it felt unbearably tender. Then he looked down at her body, and wherever his eyes rested seemed to throb in response. He cupped one breast and Sasha arched her back, eyes widening in a mute plea. She heard a dark chuckle, and felt his breath feather on her hot skin before he took the turgid tip into his mouth and suckled mercilessly, inciting the most intense response Sasha could ever remember.

    She was gasping, grabbing his shoulders, his arms, hands clenched tight around bulging hard muscles as his mouth moved from one breast to the other, torturing her with pleasure. And then he moved down, and down again. The breeze whispered over the wet tips of her breasts and her stomach, where his tongue had touched her.

    He pulled down her pants, throwing them aside, and then with ruthless intent pulled her legs apart. Kate stopped breathing for a long moment, her belly sucked in as she watched Kaleb looking at her with such intimacy that she almost couldn¡¯t stand it.

    Rising desire drowned out her mortification. Instinctively she moved on the bed, hips lifting slightly. ¡°Please¡­¡± She wasn¡¯t even sure what she was asking for.

    Kaleb looked at her, his hands traveling back up her legs,ing ever closer to her center, thumbs massaging the tender inner skin of her thighs. His hands stopped at the very top of her legs, thumbs resting on the curls that covered her. They started moving slowly, back and forth, seeking, exploring, kneading her flesh.

    Sasha sucked in a breath that felt like a sob. ¡°Kaleb¡­¡±

    ¡°What? Tell me what you want?¡±

    As if it was the easiest thing in the world.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Sasha began brokenly. ¡°I want you to touch me¡­I want you inside me¡­¡±

    One hand moved, and she felt long fingers thread through the damp curls, exploring ever inwards until he felt her slick heat for himself. She felt his reaction run through him. His erectiony thick and heavy against her thigh. She moved restlessly.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Like this? First I touch¡­¡±

    And he did. He touched her intimately. Fingers moving in and out, testing her, drawing out her response, his thumb finding that small hard nub and massaging it until her hands clenched in the bed sheets so tight that her knuckles were white. She felt all at once helpless, wanton and insatiable. And mortified at how he was turning her into someone she didn¡¯t even recognise. He bent his head, his chest close to hers, brushing against sensitive breasts, and kissed her deeply, erotically, as his hand and fingers caressed her intimately.

    But just as she could feel the elusive peak she¡¯d rarely reached with anyone elsee like a vision through the haze of desire Kaleb broke the kiss and removed his hand.

 19

    ¡°Now you touch¡­¡±

    He brought her hand down to cover his shaft. Sasha¡¯s eyes grew big and round, glued to his as she allowed herself to feel and explore as he had done. It was his turn to shift restlessly, color shing his cheeks as she moved her hand, tightened her grip, feeling the satin smooth skin slip up and down over the steel-hard core. She could feel their heartbeats thudding slowly and heavily.

    When he looked down at her with tense jaw and fever-bright eyes she took her hand away, and shifted herself so that shey under him. She spread her legs, opening herself up to his wee heat and heaviness.

    ¡°Now¡­I want you¡­¡± She reached up and pressed a hot kiss to his mouth, her tongue slipping inside with seductive innocence for a moment before she said, ¡°¡­inside me.¡±

    Kaleb had lost all sense of time and ce. At thest second before desire sucked him underpletely he reached for protection and smoothed it on with all the finesse of a novice. This scene was so reminiscent of a dream he hadn¡¯t even acknowledged. He could feel Sasha move beneath him. Her hair was spread in a golden halo around her head, and her eyes, like two huge pools of blue, looked up at him. Her legs parted a fraction more, and because it was the most necessary thing in the world he slid his erection, which felt engorged to the point of pain, into her silken heat, and died a small death of pleasure at the exquisite sensation.

    He felt her move her hips, drawing him deeper. Exerting extreme control, he slowly started to thrust in and out. His eyes were locked on hers. Twin gs of color stained her cheeks, her lips were plump and red¡­her teeth bit them as she fought to keep her moans back. It was all Kaleb could do not to explode there and then. Seeing her like this was a fulfillment of something he¡¯d so long suppressed.

    Their skin was slick with sweat, their heartbeats no longer slow and heavy but frantic. The tempo increased. Kaleb could feel Sasha¡¯s legs wrap around him, urging him even deeper, harder. The pinnacle came in a ze of white light and pleasure so intense they both stopped breathing for a long moment, hung suspended in time. And then came the fall, tumbling down and down all the way, their bodies releasing and pulsing for an age as Sasha epted Kaleb¡¯s weight onto her, wrapped legs and arms around him even tighter, binding him to her.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    Kaleb rested on his side, watching her sleep-half impatient, half fascinated-until she finally stirred. Her gaze skittered away from his as she sat up. For the first time in his life he was unsure how to handle the after sex part.

    ¡°Sorry I slept off,¡± Sasha said. She slithered from the bed and swiftly reached for the robe lying across the nearby chair. ¡°I had an amazing time, Kaleb. Thank you.¡±

    Amazing? She had no idea what amazing was. But he supposed it was better than her telling him it had been ¡®fine¡¯.

    ¡°No regrets?¡± He pushed for more than this awkward politeness from her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it would be right to regret something that felt that good.¡± She replied, but Kaleb felt like there was something she wasn¡¯t saying. She belted her  robe tightly around her waist, hiding her perfection from him again.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be like that, Sasha,¡± he said huskily, rubbing a sore spot he felt in his chest.

    Ordinarily he¡¯d be relieved to have a lover leave him with such little fuss, but he wanted Sasha to stay¡­ Even if it was only for a little while. But every ounce of her shy reserve had returned.

    ¡°I know¡­but I¡­um¡­I¡± She drew breath. ¡°I need to use the bathroom¡± She silently sped from the room-as if she daren¡¯t leave a mark or a sound.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    And he just let her. He stared into the nk space. Breaking through her shell had been difficult and now it had just bounced back into ce. Maybe she needed some time alone to process what had happened? Honestly, maybe he did too. Maybe letting her be for now might mean she¡¯d befortableing back soon.

    He rubbed his chest again as the reality of the situation hit hard. His sexual attraction to her hadn¡¯t been assuaged but exacerbated. Worse was this burgeoning curiosity about everything else about her. He wanted to understand it all. And the emptiness of her side of the bed hurt. Suddenly he hated that she¡¯d walked out on him. That he¡¯d made it so easy for her to be able to. He should have stopped her.

    He should have seduced her. He should have stripped back her protective prickles again and found that hot, sweet pleasure with her.

    But it didn¡¯t matter, he told himself. He¡¯d get over it. He always did¡­not that he ever needed to. He rose up and gathered up his clothes. By the time he was done getting dressed, she had returned into the room.

    Sasha could hardly bring herself to look at him; all she could think of was what they¡¯d done. How good he¡¯d made her feel. ¡°I guess you should leave now¡± she said, ¡°I remember you said you had a flight to catch¡±

    Kaleb sent her a wicked double-dimpled look. ¡°Is that your way of telling me to leave your apartment?¡± he asked, ¡°How very polite of you Sasha¡± he said, hating the way her rejection made him feel and hating the fact that he felt that way even more

    ¡°I¡­ No¡± Sasha replied, still avoiding his gaze. ¡°I just¡­ You.. You said you had to leave very early. I Just wanted¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t stop stammering.

    His stance was strong, legs nted wide, face imcable. ¡°You can stop with the regret or whatever it is you¡¯re thinking or feeling. It already happened. We can¡¯t go back now. You can¡¯t deny that you want me. You could have sent back the flowers I sent you, or thrown them out.¡± He flung out a hand. ¡°But you didn¡¯t. You could have refused to let mee into your house tonight, but you didn¡¯t.¡±

 20

    Humiliation coursed through her. He was right. She¡¯d put up absolutely no fight whatsoever. What was she doing? This wasn¡¯t the kind of thing she¡¯d normally do. This was Kaleb, Tilly¡¯s brother¡­. And he had a girlfriend. Yet she¡¯d slept with him!

    ¡°Look, I have an apartment in Rome. Come along and stay with me for the weekend.¡±

    His abrupt change of subject caught her unawares. ¡°What?¡± Sasha automatically shook her head and quailed slightly under the harsh light in his eyes. ¡°No, I can¡¯t,¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± he asked softly, softly enough to disarm her for a second.

    Sasha looked up. Caught between two worlds, she found herself instinctively clinging on to something in Kaleb¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I will have my ne at your disposal,¡± he added.

    ¡°But that¡¯s crazy.¡±

    He shushed her. ¡°At your disposal. It will be at the airport on Friday evening, ready to take you to Rome to meet me. I would like you to use it, Sasha. I would like you to stay with me. I won¡¯t force you into anything you¡¯re notfortable with. Or ready for.¡±

    She would haveughed, but the intensity in his face stopped her. He was holding out a card. She took it warily.

    ¡°I know you have my number already but my assistant¡¯s numbers are here. If you¡¯re going toe on Friday, just call her and give her your passport details and she¡¯ll give you all the information and arrange for a pick-up to deliver you to the ne.¡±

    To deliver her to him like a gift-wrapped parcel. Everything in Sasha rebelled at the thought of being so easy, sopliant. But another part of her was beating hard at the thought of how easy it would be to just¡­do this. Had she really envisaged living her entire life celibate?  Doubts crowded her mind again. How could she even be seriously contemting this? He already had someone in his life¡­ And when did she be the woman men cheated with?

    And now he really was leaving, opening the door, ducking his head to go out through the front door. She forced her stricken limbs to move, and followed him. When he turned around, she was on her step. Before she could move, he¡¯d pulled her into him and pressed his mouth to hers, sliding his tongue between her lips, making her heart beat fast and her blood turn to treacle in seconds. She could already feel herself melting. And then he pulled away and set her back.

    ¡°See?¡± was all he said, was all he had to say. He backed away and then turned to walk away. As if by magic a sleek, dark car pulled up and then he was getting into the back and was gone. Sasha¡¯s hands curled into fists at her sides, her emotions and hormones in chaotic turmoil. Every carefully erected piece of defense was crashing and burning. There was no way she would take him up on his offer. No way.

    Right? She wasn¡¯t sure.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    Friday night came, and Kaleb waited for the call to confirm that Sasha had been picked up¡­. That she had decided toe and be with him. He waited till he couldn¡¯t hold back anymore, so he called his assistant.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr Luthor, but I didn¡¯t get any call from Miss Sullivan¡± Grace, his assistant, told him.

    Kaleb nodded and hung up. He got the message. She didn¡¯t want him¡­. To hell with her, he told himself.

    He didn¡¯t need her anyway.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Sasha could barely think straight or focus on anything during the weekend. It had taken a lot of control on her part not to call Kaleb¡¯s assistant.

    The truth was that she wanted to go with him. Running off to Rome with the man she¡¯d always wanted since childhood sounded like a dreame true. It would have been romantic, she was damn sure of that l. Like a fairytale. She¡¯d even packed up a suitcase for the weekend, but when it was finally time to make that call, she couldn¡¯t. Because something about it just felt¡­. Wrong.

    It wasn¡¯t just the idea of keeping her affair with her brother from Tilly, it was also the fact that Kaleb was in a rtionship with someone¡­. and yet she¡¯d slept with him. Going on a trip with him just showed that she was a horrible person without a conscience. Sleeping with him was horrible enough and she couldn¡¯t bring herself to do more.

    She felt dirty. Like a hypocrite. She¡¯d always been someone who condemned people who cheated on their partners and now here she was, doing the exact same thing. How ironic!

    The weekend went by slowly, mostly because she was so anxious and counting every minute and when Monday finally came, she drove to sses with her mind upied. She had to try very hard to listen to the professor, and when she met up with Tilly after school, she couldn¡¯t barely listen to anything Tilly was saying.

    Tilly was going on and on about some drama that happened during her lecture and when Sasha said ¡®hmmm¡¯ for the 100th time, Tilly had to ask her what the hell was going on with her.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Nothing!¡± Sasha lied, ¡°I¡¯m not absent minded. I was just wondering about some customer orders.¡±

    ¡°Do you need me toe over and give you a helping hand?¡± Tilly asked.

    Sasha shook her head. She really couldn¡¯t be alone for long with Tilly at the moment because she was so used to telling Tilly everything, that she was scared that she would tell her about Kaleb by mistake. Or worse¡­ Tilly would figure it out on her own.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± she told Tilly, ¡°I¡¯m sure that I can manage.¡± There was a pause, then before she could help it she blurted out, ¡°How¡¯s Kaleb? Is he back from Rome?¡±

    When Tilly lifted an eyebrow questioningly, she hurriedly added, ¡°He mentioned that he¡¯d be traveling at his house party, so it just crossed my mind. That¡¯s why I asked,¡±

    Tilly gave her a weird look and said, ¡°No, he¡¯s not back yet. Which is good because I can¡¯t deal with him most times. He¡¯s been back for only weeks and sometimes I can¡¯t stand him.¡±

 21

    Sasha nodded, wondering when she became such an efficient liar. She felt so ashamed of herself. Lying to Tilly felt like torture. She was also worried about Kaleb. He¡¯d never called to ask her why she didn¡¯t show up. At first, she¡¯d dismissed it by telling herself that maybe he was just busy, but now it seemed like he probably didn¡¯t want to talk to her.

    And she couldn¡¯t me him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    A week had passed, and Sasha found herself even more upset about Kaleb¡¯s silence. Did he even think of her at all? She wondered. She felt like she spent a great deal of time thinking about him for someone she just had a one night stand with. Sometimes she missed him and wanted to call him, and other times she was furious at him.

    He¡¯d invited her to go to Rome with him for God¡¯s sake! Was that something he did all the time? Give a girl the best sex of her life, ask her to go away with him to one of the most romantic cities in the world and then disappear? How cruel!

    A week had passed and still hadn¡¯t returned. She wondered if he was okay. Sasha tossed and turned in her bed until finally, unable to help herself, she grabbed her phone and dialed his number. It rang for a while, and then stopped ringing. The ¡®line busy¡¯ notification on her phone made her even more furious. The jerk had disconnected the call without even picking up to hear what she had to say!

    Her suspicions were confirmed. Kaleb Luthor was ignoring her and although that made her sad, she felt even more furious before. So she texted him.

    ¡®Ignoring my calls now, Kaleb?¡¯

    There was no reply for a while, and just as she was about to give up and stop waiting for a text back, her phone beeped.

    ¡®What the hell do you think?¡¯ came his reply.

    Sasha didn¡¯t know whether tough, cry or scream. She tried to keep her cool, but it was getting harder by the second.

    ¡®Why didn¡¯t you pick up when I called you?¡¯

    ¡®I was busy. Can¡¯t talk on the phone¡¯This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Sasha couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. ¡®Busy with what? Work or your girlfriend?¡¯ She knew she sounded like a jealous freak, but she didn¡¯t care.

    ¡®I don¡¯t think that¡¯s any of your business. What do you want?¡¯

    Sasha was hurt. Guess all she really was to him was a one night stand, ¡®Do you have to be such a jerk? You left a week ago and didn¡¯t even bother to check up on me. I¡¯m sure that if I didn¡¯t reach out to you right now, you wouldn¡¯t either¡¯

    ¡®I was busy. Now I can¡¯t talk about this right now. Like I said, I¡¯m busy. We can talk about thister. And just so you know, you acted like a jerk first. I¡¯m just following in your footsteps. Not so nice now, is it?¡¯

    Sasha blinked. She couldn¡¯t believe it, but she had no one else to me but herself. She had thrown herself at him and this was the result, but it was a mistake she wasn¡¯t going to make again. ¡®I was worried that you hadn¡¯t returned, and I wanted to sure everything was alright with you. But don¡¯t worry. We don¡¯t have to talk about it or anything else. I will never speak to you again!¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s fine by me!¡¯

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    The following morning Sasha woke upte from the fatigue. Luckily it was Sunday and she had no n for the day. A sleazy breakfast of cereal and milk was the only thing avable. Tilly came over to hang out and was grinning stupidly over some texts while Sasha was too busy with her own thoughts to pay any attention to anything.

    ¡°Hey? Having a silent oath? You¡¯re not even eating.¡± Tilly said. She abandoned her phone and fixed her attention towards Sasha. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Sasha stared at her, ¡°Nothing¡±

    ¡°Ohe on. I can tell you¡¯ve been acting weird for the past few days. What is going on with you, and since when did you start keeping things from me? Did I do something wrong or do you not trust me anymore?¡±

    Sasha shook her head. ¡°Of course not. Don¡¯t think like that Tilly. You know I love you¡±

    ¡°Then what the hell is going on? Is something wrong at school? With your truck¡­. Or is it a guy?¡±

    Sasha couldn¡¯t hide the heat that rushed to her cheeks, and Tilly¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Oh my Goodness. It is a guy! Who is he? Who is he?¡± Tilly was almost jumping in her seat now.

    Sasha closed her eyes. ¡°No one,¡± she said, ¡°I mean, you don¡¯t know him¡­¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Tilly said, still excited. ¡°You have to tell me everything! Where did you meet him?¡±

    Sasha stared at her. She figured she could tell Tilly some things but she didn¡¯t have to know all the details, plus she was dying to tell someone about it as it was eating her up inside.

    ¡°Look, it doesn¡¯t matter how or where I met him¡± she began, ¡°The thing is, he already has a girlfriend¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡± said Tilly,

    ¡°But then I had sex with him,¡± Sasha muttered out of the blue, causing Tilly to choke on her cereal as she had just taken a spoonful. ¡°Last week,¡± she added, ncing up at her.

    ¡°You did what? Oh my God! I knew something was up with you but I never imagined it could be this extreme.¡± Tilly tossed the food aside, enticed.

    Sasha let out a short sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to exin,¡± she uttered.

    ¡°From the start, maybe?¡± Tilly urged.

    Sasha chuckled lightly. ¡°Well, He just ended up here somehow one night.

    He was the one who sent those flowers you saw the other day. We talked¡­ and during the talk we just . . . We just did it. We had sex.¡± She bit her bottom lip coyly.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Tilly uttered. ¡°How was it? Tell me! Tell me how the sex was, tell me!¡± she cried.

    She was ever-curious, and Sasha wondered if her reaction would be the same if she knew that they were talking about Kaleb. She knew it would be very different.

    ¡°It was great?¡± Sasha flushed at the memory of Kaleb¡¯s control over her body, all flips and twirls . . . Boy, his kisses and touches. She felt the heat. ¡°No, it¡¯s the best I¡¯ve ever had.¡± She eyed Tilly, who was practically jumping with excitement.

 22

    ¡°Wow! I mean wow!¡± Tilly snapped gleefully. ¡°And, what else?¡±

    Sasha shrugged her slender shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± she replied.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Tilly pouted.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± Sashaughed at the reaction given. ¡°What else other than the fact that I fucked someone else¡¯s man, and I¡¯m officially a home wrecker.¡±

    ¡°Ohe on, Sasha!¡± Tilly argued. ¡°It¡¯s not like they¡¯re married or something, right? I mean, it seems like the guy wants you too because why would he go through all that trouble¡­ He sent those beautiful flowers too. If he really was in a happy rtionship, he wouldn¡¯t do that¡±

    ¡°Oh please!¡± Sasha rolled her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Sasha. I don¡¯t think you should feel bad about it,¡± Tilly insisted. ¡°Like you said, it just happened.¡± She reimed her bowl of cereal.

    ¡°I¡¯m just d you¡¯re not judging me, best friend,¡± said Sasha with a weak smile. ¡°That¡¯s thest thing I¡¯d want to hear after everything that¡¯s happened.¡± She reclined back in her seat, exhausted.

    ¡°Why would I judge you? I¡¯m happy that you¡¯re finally out of your shell.¡± Tilly was excited actually, her grin bigger.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I guess.¡± Sasha sighed. ¡°And you? What¡¯s going on with the hot chocte you told me about the other time? I know you have been texting with him all morning.¡±

    It was Tilly¡¯s turn on the hot seat, and she beamed like a shlight. ¡°Oh girl, Frank is awesome!¡± She grinned dreamily, flushing crimson all over her face.

    ¡°Really now? What have I missed? Are you in love already?¡± Sasha sat straight, a smile curved in her lips.

    ¡°Yeah, I think I like him, but I¡¯m still getting to know him. I honestly don¡¯t have much to tell at the moment but we¡¯re having so much fun together,¡± Tilly answered matter-of-factly.

    ¡°You? Getting to know someone? That¡¯s a first.¡± Sasha giggled.

    ¡°Hey, he is an interesting one,¡± Tilly argued. ¡°I should try to act decent from now on. Besides, he¡¯s single, so at least I don¡¯t have to put up with the other woman drama.¡±

    ¡°Oh thank you very much for the helpful reminder!¡± Sasha snorted.

    ¡°Oops! That came out wrong. My bad!¡± Tilly said teasingly, meaning so less of it. ¡°Oh, and next week, we¡¯re hanging out at my house. It¡¯s been a bit boringtely and since Kaleb got his own ce there¡¯s no one to bother me. I¡¯m even starting to miss him¡­ Wonder why he isn¡¯t back from Rome yet¡±

    Sasha bit her tongue and tried not to ask further questions about Kaleb. He didn¡¯t care about her and she had to do the same¡­and soon, hopefully¡­. Whatever feelings she had for him would go away.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    Sasha stared at the stick in her hand. Still in shock.

    Well, she was pregnant.

    Trying to think pragmatically, she took a deep breath and pushed the cartridge she¡¯d been examining back into her bag. It was the third positive reaction she¡¯d had in thest two weeks, and, however much she tried to persuade herself that these tests could be faulty, even she didn¡¯t believe it could happen three times in a row.

    Dammit!

    Smudging back a tear, she sniffed ferociously. How could it have happened? She¡¯d been so sure that when she and Kaleb had made-had had sex, she amended, fiercely, her monthly cycle had been too far along for her to conceive. But boy, had she been wrong.

    She sighed. If she was honest, she¡¯d have to admit that taking precautions hadn¡¯t figured too highly in her thoughts when Kaleb had kissed her. The sensual brush of his tongue had banished all other thoughts from her head. She¡¯d wanted him, she acknowledged, just as much as he¡¯d wanted her. It had been far too easy to convince herself that he wasn¡¯t just using her for his own ends. After thest time she spoke with him, she¡¯d vowed never to reach out to him or get involved with him in any way¡­ AndAnd she¡¯d been trying¡­ Even if it was so damn hard.

    It wasn¡¯t until two weekster, when she still hadn¡¯t had her period, that she¡¯d even considered the alternative. And even then it had been hard to believe that that reckless consummation had had such a result. It was almost five weeks now since Kaleb hade to her apartment.. Tilly had even mentioned that he¡¯d returned from Rome a week ago, but he still hadn¡¯t made any effort to reach out to her. God, what was she going to do?

    She went for her lecturester in the day, but she could barely concentrate, and after the lecture when she met up with Tilly, she couldn¡¯t listen to anything Tilly was saying. They were sitting on one of chairs in the love garden, when Tilly said, ¡°You are looking pale,¡± dark brows drawing together above her long nose. ¡°Are you getting enough sleep? Or is that mystery man of yours keeping you up half the night, hmm?¡±

    Sasha shuffled the papers on herp. ¡°I don¡¯t have a mystery man, Tilly. Not anymore at least. We are over¡±

    Tilly looked concerned, ¡°Really. Why? Call me crazy, but you kinda seemed really happy about him. Did he do something to hurt you?¡±

    Sasha tried hard not to burst into tears and looked away so Tilly wouldn¡¯t notice. While Tilly waited for Sasha to answer, a guy joined them in the garden. He sat on the chair close to theirs, rummaged in his pocket and drew out a pack of cigarettes. cing one between his lips, he flicked his lighter, inhaling deeply before blowing a stream of blue smoke into the air. Sasha had never liked the smell of cigarettes and this morning she found it nauseating. Feeling the bile rising in her throat, she made an incoherent little sound and then rushed to her feet, and into one of the buildings close to them.

    In the bathroom, she was violently sick.

    Leaning against the tiled wall afterwards, a tissue pressed to her mouth, she thought it was a long time since she¡¯d felt so ill. What had she eaten, for God¡¯s sake? She¡¯d only had toast for breakfast, so it couldn¡¯t be that. Mind you, she hadn¡¯t really wanted any breakfast. She¡¯d been feeling distinctly out-of-sorts since she¡¯d got out of bed. And then, feeling immensely stupid, she realized what was happening. It wasn¡¯t food-poisoning.

 23

    It wasn¡¯t even the smell of that guy¡¯s cigarette, although heaven knew they were an acquired taste. No, this had to be the start of morning sickness, and if she needed any further confirmation of her condition, this was it.

    A tentative tapping at the door roused her. ¡°Sasha? Sasha, are you all right?¡± Naturally, it was Tilly. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    Everything was wrong, thought Sasha heavily, struggling to pull herself together. But she managed to say, ¡°No, I¡¯m OK, Tilly. I think I must have eaten something that disagreed with me and when I smelled that guy¡¯s cigarette-¡±

    ¡°Oh damn!¡± Tilly sounded disgusted, ¡°I knew that was it. I hated the smell too¡±

    Sasha opened the door to find Tilly waiting outside, wringing her hands anxiously. ¡°Sorry about that.¡± Tilly said something Sasha couldn¡¯t understand and then wrapped her arm about her shoulders. ¡°Sorry¡± she murmured with evident concern. ¡°Are you sure you are going to be alright?¡±

    Sasha nodded. ¡°Yeah I¡¯ll be fine,¡± she replied, ¡°I just need to go home and rest a little¡±

    Tilly said, ¡°Okay. Just call me if you need anything¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Sasha replied.

    After Sasha got home and took a quick shower, she still couldn¡¯t settle down. Her thoughts were all over the ce and she wriggled on the bed before she finally grabbed her phone and called her mother, ¡°Hi mom,¡± she said when her mother picked up, ¡°I¡¯ming over this evening. There¡¯s something I really need to tell you,¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Penelope Sullivan was a dark haired woman, although strands of white hair could be seen amongst them. She was nice and cheerful and always had a smile stered on her face. She had been married to her husband for almost thirty years and they seemed to grow more in love every year.

    Sylvester Sullivan was just as nice as his wife, but he was also strict and traditional, especially when it came to his views about discipline and morals, which was one of the reasons why Sasha was terrified of telling them about her pregnancy, but she had to tell someone about it, or she would explode. Also, pregnancy wasn¡¯t something one could hide. Eventually people would find out about it, and knowing the kind of man her father was, she knew he wouldn¡¯t want to hear it as a rumor. That would only make things worse.

    Penelope Sullivan sounded very excited when Sasha told her that she wasing to visit, and Sasha wondered if she¡¯d still feel that way when she told her why she wasing. She would be upset, but she¡¯d finallye around¡­ Sasha was sure of that¡­ But her father ¨C he was going to be furious with her.

    Her mom appeared in the doorway just as she drove into the driveway that evening, smiling excitedly. Sasha was so happy to see her and almost ran into her arms.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Hi, mom¡± Sasha said

    ¡°Hey sweetie, you are finally here,¡± Penelope said and hugged her daughter once more. ¡°How was your journey?¡±

    ¡°It was fine. You don¡¯t know how happy I am to see you, mom¡± said Sasha, ¡°I¡¯ve missed you.¡±

    ¡°Me too, baby. You are the one who kept postponing your visit. let¡¯s go inside¡±.

    ¡°What about dad?¡± Sasha asked, ¡°Is he around? Or has he gone on one of his business trips again?¡±

    Her mother chuckled, ¡°He¡¯s fine, and no he didn¡¯t travel. He¡¯s sitting in the bed room. I told him you wereing and he can¡¯t wait to see you.¡±

    Sasha tried to smile back. A part of her had wished she wouldn¡¯t have to face her father at the moment¡­ At least not yet, but it seemed like she wouldn¡¯t have a choice.

    Sasha found a spaniel ying with arge fir cone when they got inside. ¡°You and dad have a dog now, mom?¡± she asked. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me¡±

    ¡°Oh, that belongs to our new neighbors, but hees here a lot. I think it¡¯s because your father keeps giving him treats. His name is Freddy¡± Penelope said.

    ¡°Oh¡± Sasha said. ¡°He is so cute, a good breed, and a fine doggy. Lemme have a look at you¡± she said.

    After a while she set Freddy down and watched the wriggling puppy from all angles, measuring his ears with great deliberation. As she straightened, she looked up to see her fathering down the stairs with a huge smile stered on his face and in that moment, Sasha briefly forgot her troubles as she smiled back at him.

    She rushed forward to hug him, ¡°Hello dad¡± she said.

    ¡°Well, how lovely to see you, sweetheart,¡± he  said, his face beaming with pleasure. ¡°And I¡¯m not really surprised you decided toe today. I always say ¡®every cloud has a silver lining¡¯ and so far today has been one big cloud of trouble. So you are here to make everything better.¡±

    Sasha grinned at him. ¡°How are you, dad?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, thank you honey. You are here finally. Why haven¡¯t youe home for so long?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dad,¡± Sasha replied. ¡°But school and work just hasn¡¯t let me.¡±

    ¡°I will set the table for dinner,¡± Penelope said. ¡°You two should just sit and chat¡±

    Sasha protested, but her mother insisted, so she sat with her father, answering his numerous questions about how her masters degree was going and how her business was progressing. Sasha answered his questions honestly, omitting the very reason why she¡¯d trulye.

    Soon dinner was ready and they all ate, after which Sasha was very tired and eventually, she fell asleep on the couch. When she opened her eyes and stared round the room, her father had left. Her mom sat on the couch opposite hers, watching TV.

    Sashay still, watching her mom, savoring the moment ofzyfort, not wishing to inform her mom that she was awake. She looked round the room through half closed eyes and saw Freddy, curled up in a corner.

    She sighed.

    ¡°Oh, you are awake, dear,¡± her mom said. ¡°You had a nice long sleep didn¡¯t you. I will bring you tea¡±.

    ¡°Thanks mom¡­ But you don¡¯t have to¡­¡± Sasha began, but it was useless because her mom was already up.

    When Penelope returned she watched Sasha sip her tea for a while, then she said. ¡°Are you okay, Sasha? You seem troubled¡±.

 24

    Sasha stared at her mother. She had never been able to hide things from her for too long because she always saw right through her. She thought about the best way to tell her mom about the pregnancy. She couldn¡¯te up with any so she stood up. ¡°I¡¯m not troubled, mom¡­¡± she said. But when she looked back at her mom she saw her mom still had that concerned look on her face.

    ¡°You are not fooling me, Sasha¡± Penelope said, ¡°I can tell that something is on your mind. I am your mother dear. You can tell me what it is.¡±

    Sasha buried her face in her hands, ¡°I don¡¯t think you want me to tell you about this. You¡¯re going to be so upset with me, and dad¡­ Oh God he¡¯s going to be so furious. The both of you are going to be so disappointed¡±

    ¡°Oh, Sasha,¡± Penelope said, standing up and pulling her daughter into her arms. When she released her, Sasha stared at her with wide, sad eyes,¡± Tell me what it is. Whatever happens, we¡¯ll face it together¡­ As a family¡±

    Sasha couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. She burst into tears. It seemed like that was all she could dotely¡­ Cry. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant mom¡± she blurted out, ¡°I screwed up real ba. I know I shouldn¡¯t have gotten pregnant. And now I don¡¯t know what to do. I don¡¯t know what to do with myself and I¡¯m so confused. I don¡¯t even know if I want the baby. The baby¡¯s father doesn¡¯t even know yet, and I¡¯m pretty sure he wouldn¡¯t want the baby either. So it¡¯s just me. And I don¡¯t even know if I can handle it. Having a babyes with such a big responsibility. I don¡¯t even know if I can have a baby alone. I¡¯m so scared.. Mom. I¡¯m so scared.¡±

    She let her mom sit her back down on the couch and hold her. After she had dabbed her face with a tissue she faced her mom. She had been so worried about how her mom would react. She knew her mother would understand, but she was still nervous.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, honey. I understand, trust me¡± Penelope said, holding Sasha¡¯s hands.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°You do?¡±

    Her mother nodded, ¡°What did you think I was going to do after you told me? Send you away?¡±

    Sasha shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± she replied.

    ¡°Truly, this isn¡¯t what I would have wanted for you, but there¡¯s no use crying over spilled milk, and you are not alone. You have me, and your father. You know we will do anything to help you. All you have to do ise to us. It¡¯s okay to feel this way, but I know it¡¯s going to be alright. I promise¡±.

    Sasha nodded, not entirely convinced. She didn¡¯t know how everything was going to be okay, but something about the way her mom said it made her feel a bit calmer. ¡°I don¡¯t think dad is going to see it that way¡± she said,

    ¡°Let me worry about your father. I know he¡¯ll be pissed, but he¡¯lle around. Think about it,¡± Penelope continued. ¡°This baby is a good thing. And trust me, you are going to love it, more than anything or anyone in the world.¡±

    ¡°You really think so, mom?¡± Sasha asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, honey¡­ I know so¡± her mother replied, and she pulled her into her arms again. ¡°You and your baby are going to be very happy together. It doesn¡¯t matter if the father wants the baby or not¡±.

    ¡°Thanks mom,¡± Sasha said. Rxing a little bit.

    And one more thing,¡± Penelope added. ¡°You have to tell the baby¡¯s father. You can¡¯t keep something like this from him¡± she said.

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t want a baby, mom. I know that¡±. Sasha said with a frown as she thought about Kaleb.

    ¡°But you can¡¯t just assume something like that honey. I understand how you feel. But you should tell him. I¡¯m not saying right now. You can do it whenever you are ready. But I hope you make the right decision¡±.

    Sasha nodded.

    Penelope stood to go, then she turned towards her daughter, ¡°Go to bed. You will feel better tomorrow morning, and when you do feel better l, you are going to tell us about this man¡±.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    When Sasha came down for breakfast the following morning, she noticed her father was already at the table and he did not look happy. Sasha didn¡¯t need anyone to tell her why. It was very obvious that her mother had told him that she was pregnant. She walked slowly towards her parents and slid into her chair, ¡°Good morning dad. Good morning mom¡±

    ¡°Good morning¡± Sylvester replied, although by the tone of his voice, he didn¡¯t think there was anything good about the morning.

    ¡°Did you sleep well, dear?¡± her mother asked, her voice cheerful.

    Sasha nodded, although she¡¯d spent half the night wide awake. She watched In silence as her mother served the bread and eggs onto her father¡¯s ce, then she did the same for her. She took a bite of the eggs on her te, and while she was sure that they tasted good she could barely taste it. She wanted her father to say something and when he finally did, it didn¡¯t bring her any relief at all.

    ¡°What is this your mother is telling me about you being pregnant?¡± asked Sylvester, ¡°You better tell me she was joking because no child of mine is going to have a child out of wedlock.¡±

    Sasha sighed. It was finally happening. Time for her to face the music. She took a deep breath before she finally spoke, ¡°I know you must be very disappointed in me, dad, but it¡¯s not a joke. I really am pregnant. That¡¯s what I came to tell you both. I know you must be very mad at me and I¡¯m sorry. It was never my intention to disappoint you, but I am already terrified and I need your support right now.¡±

    ¡°How the hell did this happen?¡± her father thundered.

    Penelope ced her hand on her husbands, ¡°Honey, we talked about thisst night. Please calm down. There¡¯s no need for us to yell at her. It won¡¯t solve anything¡­ Please ¡­ We agreedst night to focus on the future so please let¡¯s do that instead.¡±

    Sylvester seemed to calm down at his wife¡¯s words, but then he asked a question Sasha wasn¡¯t prepared for,  ¡°Who is the father?¡±

 25

    Her parents¡¯ eyes were on her, and Sasha shifted ufortably in her chair. She¡¯d been so worried about their reaction that she¡¯d barely had time to worry about when they would ask her to name the man she¡¯d gotten pregnant for.

    Her parents knew the Luthors very well, and she was sure as hell that her father would do something crazy if she told him that Kaleb was the father of her baby. He¡¯d probably decide to have a talk with him, and she didn¡¯t want to imagine how that talk would go, especially now that Kaleb wasn¡¯t even aware of her situation. He¡¯d probably be pissed at her too. Oh God! What a messy situation this was.

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you that right now,¡± Sasha said, hoping that her parents would drop it, but knowing it wasn¡¯t going to happen.

    ¡°What?¡± her father thundered, and again Penelope ced her hand on his.

    ¡°Easy dear¡± she said.

    ¡°Please dad, I haven¡¯t even told him that he¡¯s going to be a father. I know you¡¯d want to say something to him if I tell you. Don¡¯t you think he should hear this news from me instead of my parents?¡±

    ¡°So we know this fe?¡± asked Sylvester.

    Sasha closed her eyes and mentally beat herself up for letting that slip. ¡°Yes¡­ No¡­. I mean, it doesn¡¯t matter. Why don¡¯t you just let me handle this part and whatever happens, I¡¯ll let you and mom know. Please¡±

    There was a pause before her father said, ¡°Fine, but he better be ready to take responsibility for his child, or else he¡¯ll be hearing from me!¡±

    Sasha nodded and tried to stop herself from asking him what he meant by ¡®taking responsibility¡¯. She knew he probably meant marriage and she was 100% sure that Kaleb wasn¡¯t ready or willing to marry anyone¡­ Not even her for that matter. And it wasn¡¯t just Kaleb, she wasn¡¯t sure she wanted to get married anytime soon either, but what was the point of mentioning this to her father at the moment? It would only make him angrier and no one wanted that.

    ¡°Sure dad¡± she said softly. Deeply hurt by his reaction and his inability to even hide the fact that he was disappointed in her.

    ¡°Now eat your breakfast, dear¡± Penelope urged her, ¡°You are going to be eating for two from now on and you know you have a journey ahead of you.¡±

    Sasha nodded and tried to do as she was told, but her appetite was gone, and she couldn¡¯t stand the look on her father¡¯s face. She stood up after, ¡°I think I should go upstairs and pack up¡± she said, ¡°I have a test tomorrow that I still need to study for.¡±

    After she left, Penelope red at her husband, ¡°That wasn¡¯t what we discussedst night.¡± she said with a frown, ¡°I know that this isn¡¯t what you want for our daughter, but she¡¯s an adult and you cannot control everything. How about you try to ignore everything else and just focus on the fact that we are going to be grandparents. You should be more understanding¡­. Considering the fact that you were not always willing to do everything your parents wanted. Cut Sasha some ck. She¡¯s our daughter and if she cannote to us at a time like this, then where is she going to go? I will not have this conversation with you again,¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Without waiting for his reply, she stood up and went in the same direction Sasha had taken.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    How does a girl tell a guy she¡¯s pregnant for him? This question drummed itself in Sasha¡¯s mind until she thought she thought she¡¯d go crazy. Did they just blurt it out? Or did they give him hints? And how the hell did they deal with the guy¡¯s reaction that he was going to be a father? This announcement was going to change his life as well as hers¡­ And since she wasn¡¯t taking the news quite well, how was he supposed to take it?

    When her phone rang unexpectedly, she jumped in shock. It was Tilly, inviting her toe over to the Luthors for a sleepover. Sasha almost said no, but she¡¯d been avoiding Tilly so muchtely that she was sure that Tilly was beginning to suspect that something was wrong, so she agreed toe over that evening. But not after she confirmed from Tilly that Kaleb wasn¡¯t going to be present.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s going to be here¡± Tilly replied when she asked, ¡°I mean, he has his own ce now, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    Feeling a little bit satisfied with that answer, Sasha packed an overnight bag and headed for the Luthor mansion that evening. Tilly¡¯s parents were out of town for the week, so they had the ce to themselves. They had popcorn, watched movies on Netflix and talked about almost everything.

    Tilly didn¡¯t ask Sasha about her mystery flower guy as she called him sometimes, and Sasha suspected that she just didn¡¯t want to hurt her by asking.

    Hourster into the night, they heard someone drive into thepound and Tilly went to check who it was. Sasha remained in the living room, but when she heard the unmistakable sound of Kaleb¡¯s voice, she panicked.

    She stood up immediately. Hurrying across the room, she hastily let herself into the visitor¡¯s room where she¡¯d be staying for the night. Thest thing she wanted was for Kaleb to think she was eager to see him again. If she did decide to tell him about the baby, he mustn¡¯t think she expected him to change his mind about the both of them.

    Moving across to the windows, drawn by a faint illumination, she saw the underwater lights gleaming in the pool below. She remembered the time she¡¯d first seen him when he returned while swimming in that pool. Then she had weird thoughts of the both of them in there¡­ Together¡­. Making love¡­

    The thoughts wouldn¡¯t go away, and leaving the window, she walked into the bedroom. Having thoughts like that was the reason why she was in this situation right now.

    Sasha tipped the straps of her dress off her shoulders and allowed it to fall about her ankles. She wasn¡¯t wearing a bra and her breasts seemed heavier than before. Stepping over the dress, she walked into the bathroom and stared at her reflection. Yes, there were definitely changes. She could see them. When she weighed her breasts in her hands, they felt different somehow.

 26

    Turning sideways, sheid both hands over her stomach. Thecy thong, which was all she was wearing now, exposed the slight swell she¡¯d noticed before. Or perhaps she was only imagining it. She was barely six weeks, after all. How soon was a pregnancy visible? She should have asked her mother.

    ¡°Admiring yourself, Sasha?¡±

    The voice was painfully familiar. What wasn¡¯t so familiar was the thickening emotion in his words. If she hadn¡¯t known better, she¡¯d have said that Kaleb had been aroused by watching her touch her body. How long had he been standing in the bathroom doorway? Had he seen her examining her breasts, perhaps? He must have done, she decided, her pulse quickening. That was why he was looking at her with such raw passion in his eyes.

    She made herself turn her head and look away from him and for a long moment the silence stretched between them. She knew she ought to grab a towel to cover herself, but something-some perverse desire to taunt him, maybe- kept her from doing so. She wondered what he expected her to say to him. He must know hising here like this, uninvited and unannounced, was breaking every rule in the book.

    They hadn¡¯t spoken to each other for weeks, for heaven¡¯s sake. He even made it clear that he didn¡¯t want to see  her again. There was no way he could justify his actions. And she was a fool for not ordering him out of the room immediately.

    But all she said was, ¡°D¨¦j¨¤ vu, Kaleb?¡±

    And knew he¡¯d know exactly what she meant. ncing over her shoulder, she saw his hard face darken with frustration.

    ¡°Hardly,¡± he retorted, after a taut moment. ¡°Put some clothes on. I want to talk to you. I¡¯ll wait in the room next door.¡±

    ¡°The bedroom?¡±

    ¡°No, the sitting room,¡± he amended tersely. ¡°Hurry up!¡±

    Sasha looked back at her reflection. This was her chance to tell him, but she panicked. ¡°Perhaps I don¡¯t want to put my clothes on,¡± she said softly. ¡°I came upstairs to go to bed. I¡¯m tired. I think you should go now. I¡¯ll talk to you in the morning.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be here in the morning,¡± replied Kaleb through clenched teeth. ¡°I have to go back home. I have to attend a conference in the city. It¡¯s due tost two days. I hope to be back by the end of the week.¡±

    ¡°And this concerns me-how?¡± Sasha didn¡¯t know how she did it, but she put a note of sarcasm into her voice.

    ¡°Just get dressed,¡± he said shortly, unhooking a velvet-soft bathrobe from behind the bathroom door. He tossed it towards her. ¡°This will do.¡±

    Sasha made no attempt to catch the robe and it fell, unheeded, to the floor.

    Kaleb swore and then he came towards her, his reflection joining hers in the mirror, picking up the robe and thrusting it onto her shoulders.

    ¡°Wear it.¡± he said roughly. ¡°Or I won¡¯t be responsible for my actions.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, I¡¯m scared!¡± Sasha was beginning to enjoy this, although she realized she was ying with fire. Kaleb was not a man to take her provocations lightly, and his expression made her breath catch in her throat.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± he said, the hint of a threat in his voice, but, when he would have wrapped the folds of the robe about her, she deliberately moved away. The robe fell away once more, and Kaleb¡¯s hands brushed against her breasts.

    The feeling was excruciating, a mixture of throbbing sensitivity and burning desire. She wanted him to touch them, to rub the palms of his hands over their tender flesh, to bend his head and take one aching nipple into his mouth. His eyes met hers in the mirror and she sensed he knew exactly what she was thinking. Which was aplete turn-off. She didn¡¯t want him to think she¡¯de here in the hope of rekindling their rtionship, and, turning away, she bent and snatched up the robe, sliding her arms swiftly into the sleeves and drawing it tight across her trembling form.

    ¡°OK,¡± she said tersely. ¡°Let¡¯s go into the sitting room. I can¡¯t imagine what we have to say to one another but I¡¯m sure you¡¯re going to tell me.¡±

    Kaleb stepped aside to allow her to precede him out of the bathroom and she was forced to brush past his still, forbidding frame. He was wearing a dark gray suit which he must have worn to whatever meeting he¡¯d been attending that day, raw silk trousers and jacket, pearl-gray shirt, his tie pulled away from his cor. He looked disturbingly different from when he¡¯de to her apartment thest time she saw him, but Sasha knew he could look equally intimidating in anything.

    The living area upstairs seemed dark and Sasha hastily switched on moremps, anything to banish the sense of vulnerability she was feeling. Why had Kalebe to her room? Couldn¡¯t whatever he had to say wait until tomorrow morning? And then she remembered. He¡¯d said he was leaving for a conference in the morning, so at least she would be spared the possible humiliation of him walking into the bathroom to find her throwing up.

    Nevertheless, he still disturbed her. Tall, dark and dangerous, she thought, a subtle y on the familiar words. The room was suddenly smaller, closer, more intimate. And she had to get the idea that he¡¯d somehow found out about the baby out of her head.

    She wanted to sit down, but Kaleb was making no attempt to do so and she was damned if she¡¯d give him the satisfaction of inviting him to make himself at home. So, she held up her head and regarded him as coolly as she was able, while her stomach quivered and threatened to embarrass her.

    Kaleb paused just beyond the archway that led from the bedroom. He was tired and he knew this wasn¡¯t the most sensible time to have a conversation her. The very fact that she¡¯d scuttled away as soon as she¡¯d heard hime in proved that she¡¯d had no wish to see him. Why hadn¡¯t he just picked up what he came for and headed home? Instead, immediately Tilly told him that she was here, he¡¯d immediately gone to look for her.

 27

    He unfastened another button at the neck of his shirt, allowing a tantalising glimpse of brown flesh lightly covered with dark hair. His eyes narrowed, thickshes veiling his expression. ¡°Tilly told me you have been sick. What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°What? Nothing. Nothing is wrong with me,¡± Sasha retorted quickly, inwardly cursing Tilly for making a difficult situation worse. ¡°You-you don¡¯t have to care. Tilly worries about me, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°She does worry a lot. With that, I agree.¡± He paused, and she knew he was registering the color that had entered her pale cheeks as she spoke.

    ¡°It was just a cold¡± she added.

    ¡°Colds do not usually elicit such concern.¡±

    ¡°No, well, Tilly is a very-sympathetic person.¡± Sasha made a helpless gesture. ¡°And-perhaps she didn¡¯t expect you to- to-¡±

    ¡°To what, Sasha?¡±

    The steps he took forward narrowed the space between them and she had to steel herself not to move away.

    ¡°To-to care¡± she said hurriedly, not prepared to admit that he could still hurt her. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. And then, trying to make her tone light, ¡°Don¡¯t you have other ces to be?¡­ Perhaps with ire. Wouldn¡¯t she be wondering where you are?¡±

    ¡°ire trusts me,¡± he dered harshly, stung by the way she could put him on the defensive. ¡°What? You think I didn¡¯t tell her where I was going?¡±

    Tilly pursed her lips. ¡°No.¡± She was defensive now.

    ¡°Good. Because you couldn¡¯t be more wrong.¡± Kaleb didn¡¯t know where this anger hade from, but he was suddenly furious. Sasha was here, in his parents¡¯ house, looking more beautiful than he¡¯d ever seen her, and he resented it. He didn¡¯t want her here, he told himself. He didn¡¯t want to be reminded of what they had. No matter how short itsted. ¡°ire and I understand one another.¡±

    ¡°Well, goody for you.¡± Now Sasha felt a stirring of indignation, which was infinitely better than the embarrassment she¡¯d felt before. ¡°So, if that¡¯s all you came to tell me, what are you waiting for? I¡¯d really like to get to bed.¡±

    Kaleb¡¯s nostrils red. And, just when he was sure he had himself under control, he asked the unforgivable, ¡°Why did youe here, Sasha?¡±

    Her eyes widened then. She was shocked. He could see it. And why not? It was a stupid question.

    ¡°Why did Ie here?¡± she echoed, shaking her head. ¡°You know why I came, Kaleb. Tilly asked me to! She wanted us to hang out here,¡±

    ¡°You could have refused.¡±

    ¡°Refuse my friend? And for what? You?¡± She was astounded. ¡°What do you think I am?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, do I?¡± Kaleb¡¯s teeth ground together. ¡°What are you, Sasha? Saint or sinner? I can¡¯t quite make up my mind.¡±

    Her lips parted, and then, a note of contempt entering her voice, ¡°Well, at least I don¡¯t have that dilemma, Kaleb. You¡¯re totally selfish through and through.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re not?¡± Kaleb¡¯s lips curled, not sure why he felt this pressing need to pursue this, but unable to let it go. ¡°I suppose this means you¡¯ve justified your reasons for walking out on me? Or do you have to keep reminding yourself why you made such a colossal mistake?¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a mistake!¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Really? Why do I find that hard to believe? Isn¡¯t there something hypocritical about holding the moral high ground, when a few weeks ago you were t on your back, letting me screw your brains out?¡±

    The words sounded so much worse,ced as they were with anger, and Sasha gasped. Before she could prevent herself, her hand connected with his cheek.

    Kaleb made no attempt to deflect the blow and she watched, with a feeling of disbelief, as the clear marks of her fingers appeared on the left side of his face.

    She regretted it instantly. She didn¡¯t do things like this. But it was toote to have second thoughts. Her hand had barely moved in a gesture of subjugation when Kaleb¡¯s uncertain control snapped. With a savage curse, he locked hard fingers about her wrist and dragged her relentlessly towards him. ¡°If that¡¯s the way you want to y it, who am I toin?¡±

    ¡°Kaleb,¡± she cried, but it was no use.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± he said harshly.

    ¡°But you can¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°I said shut up!¡± he repeated, grasping a handful of her hair and tipping her head backward. And then his hot mouth fastened itself to hers and she knew she was lost.

    Anger, and the frustration he was feeling, made it impossible for him to be gentle with her. As he backed her up against the wall behind her, his tongue forced its way between her teeth. He pushed into her mouth, tasting her blood when his savage possession ground her lips against her teeth, but he had no mercy. He wanted to tear the bathrobe from her and bury himself inside her, and her fragile vulnerability was no deterrent, he found.

    The moan she gave should have shamed him, but it didn¡¯t. The sounds she was making only served to drive himpletely over the edge. Tearing the sides of the robe apart, he feasted his eyes on dusky-tipped nipples, already swollen and painfully erect, and on the slight swell of her stomach and the tight curls that hid her sex.

    ¡°Damn it, Sasha,¡± he muttered thickly. ¡°You are so fucking beautiful! So beautiful. And I want you!¡±

    Sasha¡¯s hands had been trapped between them but now she dragged them free to rake frantic fingers across his cheek. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t draw blood, but when her nails scraped across his scalp he uttered a groan of protest.

    ¡°Do not pretend you do not want me, too,¡± he said unsteadily, and, although her hands had fastened in his hair with the intention of jerking his head away from hers, the shaken timbre of his voice tore her resolution to shreds.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t,¡± she got out fiercely, but her lips told a different story when he kissed her again. Passion built between them with every sensual thrust of his tongue, and when he sucked her lower lip between his teeth, she could only clutch his neck and hang on.

    ¡°This is why you really came here, isn¡¯t it?¡± he demanded, his hands sliding possessively up her arms to tip the robe off her shoulders. ¡°You are determined to destroy me.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± she protested, as the robe fell to the floor, but Kaleb wasn¡¯t listening to her.

 28

    His fingers slid over her shoulders and down her back, caressing her hipbones briefly, before moving on to her bottom. Filling his hands with the rounded globes, he brought her deliberately against him, rotating his hips so she was made unmistakably aware of the pressure of his erection.

    ¡°Do you feel that?¡± he asked, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°Yes, of course you do. But do you have any idea what it¡¯s like to be this close to you and not be a part of you?¡±

    ¡°Kaleb-¡±

    ¡°You drive me crazy,¡± he went on, as if she hadn¡¯t spoken, thrusting his thigh between her legs. ¡°Stark, staring crazy, and I still want you even closer to me, under me, spreading your legs for me, to give me some relief from this torment you¡¯re putting me through.¡±

    ¡°Kaleb-¡±

    ¡°Do not try to tell me I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m saying,¡± he snarled. ¡°I know. I know, Sasha. Believe me.¡±

    ¡°Kaleb, please-¡±

    The husky tone of her voice vibrated through him, but he was too far gone to listen to reason. He¡¯d missed her damn much and it was frustrating because he¡¯d also been mad at her for not showing up to travel with him, but yet he¡¯d missed her. Tucking a hand beneath the tumbled silk of her hair, he tipped her head up to his, his mouth silencing any further protest.

    The kiss was deep and erotic, an affirmation of everything he¡¯d been saying, seducing her to a ce where nothing mattered but that he should go on kissing her and caressing her, drenching her body in the mindless heat of her own arousal.

    She wondered afterwards if he would have taken her there, against the wall of the sitting room, if they hadn¡¯t been interrupted. Kaleb was already using his free hand to tear his shirt open, dragging off his tie to send it spiraling across the room. And she-God help her!-was encouraging him, cupping his warm neck between her palms, digging her nails into taut flesh that smelled hot and sweaty and deliciously male.

    She was rubbing herself against him, delighting in the sensual brush of his body hair against her breasts, when there was a tentative knock on the door.

    For a moment, neither of them moved. It was as if they were suddenly frozen, blood cooling to weld them to the spot. Kaleb, his face buried in the scented curve of her shoulder, breathed a word that could more politely be described as ¡®Damn!¡¯ and slumped against her. And Sasha tipped her head back against heavy silk damask, grateful for the wall¡¯s support.

    ¡°Sasha!¡±

    Her mouth went dry. The momentary fear that it was Kaleb who¡¯d spoken, alerting whoever was on the other side of the door to his presence, making her feel weak. But almost immediately she realized that Kaleb was too enraged to say anything civil. It was another voice who had spoken her name.

    With a strength she hadn¡¯t known she possessed, Sasha managed to push Kaleb¡¯s head back so he could see her lips. ¡°It¡¯s Tilly,¡± she mouthed, the consternation evident in her face, and with a resigned gesture he muttered,

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°So what are you going to do about it?¡± she continued as he dragged himself upright and raked back his hair. She bent to snatch the bathrobe from the floor and quickly put it on. ¡°She can¡¯t find you here. I mean¡­ Not like this. You¡¯ve got to go.¡±

    ¡°Go where?¡± He was sardonic. ¡°Do you expect me to hide in the bathroom until she¡¯s gone?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s one idea, certainly.¡± Sasha swallowed and nodded her head, but Kaleb only gave her a scornful look.

    ¡°That¡¯s crazy,¡± he whispered harshly. ¡°No way!¡±

    ¡°Sasha!¡± There was a pregnant pause and then Tilly spoke again. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you alright? I cane backter, if you would rather?¡±

    ¡°No, I-¡± Sasha struggled for an answer, gazing beseechingly at Kaleb, begging him to get out of sight.

    But all he did was finish fastening the buttons on his shirt and stuff it back into his trousers. Then, to her horror, he walked across to the door and swung it open.

    Sasha wanted to stop him, but she knew it was of no use. Also for a big guy, Kaleb moved so damn fast, while hers seemed rooted to the spot she was standing.

    Tilly stood outside the door, a weird look stered on her face, surprised as hell to see her brother in there with Sasha. ¡°You¡¯re here¡± she said to him.

    Kaleb gave her a simple nod, ¡°Yeah,¡± he replied, ¡°You said that she was sick so I came to check up on her before leaving.¡±

    ¡°Well, from the look on her face, I hope you didn¡¯t make it worse,¡± Tilly replied.

    Kaleb hissed, ¡°Tell mom and dad I stopped by¡± he said tersely, and then he strode away towards the stairs as if he had no intention of answering any further questions about his reasons for being there.

    Tilly stared at Sasha who still hadn¡¯t found her tongue, ¡°Are you alright?¡± Tilly asked her, ¡°He didn¡¯t do anything to piss you off, did he?¡±

    Sasha shook her head, ¡°Oh no¡± she replied, ¡°He just wanted to see if I was okay¡­ And I am¡­ Although I¡¯m starting to feel a little dizzy. I think I should retire for the night¡±

    Tilly didn¡¯t look convinced for a second. She looked worried and Sasha felt bad. ¡°Yeah sure. I should get some sleep too. See you in the morning. Goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Good night, Tilly,¡± Sasha replied, and hurried past her to her room.

    Another opportunity had passed, and Kaleb Luthor still had no idea that she was carrying his baby.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    To her surprise, Sasha slept amazingly well. She hadn¡¯t expected to. After the evening she¡¯d had, she¡¯d anticipated lying awake for hours, mulling over everything that had happened. But instead, she¡¯d lost consciousness the moment her head hit the pillow.

    A clear conscience? She didn¡¯t think so. What she¡¯d done-what she¡¯d allowed Kaleb to do-had been unforgivable. She¡¯d deserved to spend the night berating herself for her foolishness. No doubt the fact that she was pregnant had had something to do with the ease with which she¡¯d fallen asleep, she reflected ruefully. Now, rolling onto her back, she found the sun streaming through the crack in the curtains she¡¯d drawn the night before.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

 29

    Since she¡¯d found out that she was pregnant, fretting over the alternatives she was faced with, such sleep as she¡¯d had had been restless and gued with tortuous dreams. Butst night she¡¯d been so exhausted, she hadn¡¯t been able to keep her eyes open.

    In consequence she felt rested, more rested than she¡¯d done in a long time.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Not since Kaleb hade back into her life, in fact. However, it was time to get up and face the day and it wasn¡¯t just the familiar nausea that was causing her stomach to quiver in protest. Dear God, what had Tilly really thought when her brother had thrown open the door and stormed out of the house without any reasonable word of exnation the night before?

    At the time, however, Tilly had gazed after her brother as if she didn¡¯t understand the situation. And then she¡¯d looked at Sasha and found she was wearing only a bathrobe and an expression Sasha didn¡¯t quite understand had crossed her face.

    Sasha¡¯s own face had been burning. She¡¯d been all too aware that her lips were bruised and she had stubble burns on her cheeks. Tilly wasn¡¯t a fool. She must have guessed exactly what he¡¯d interrupted. Which was why she¡¯d hurriedly agreed to go to bed, but Sasha wasn¡¯t sure of anything. Maybe it was just her guilty conscience ying games with her.

    She told Tilly she wouldn¡¯t be having breakfast with her because she had work to do, and then she left. She hurried home, put her house in order and fell asleep again. When she woke up, it was almost evening. She took a shower, got dressed quickly and drove to Kaleb¡¯s house, hoping that he¡¯d be back from his conference. She contemted calling at first, but decided against it because she didn¡¯t want anything to make her get cold feet.

    Twenty minutester, she arrived. She narrowed her eyes, lifting a hand and wiping it over her forehead. She was warm-the sun was beating down, even now in the early evening, and she felt like the AC in her car wasn¡¯t doing much to help for some reason. She was tired, too, which was weird, but the exhaustion of the first trimester was kicking in again.

    As she approached, one of the security men came to speak to her. ¡°Can I help you, miss?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I need to see Kaleb Luthor. It¡¯s important.¡± she replied.

    The security guard flicked his gaze over Sasha, his expression unchanging. ¡°Is he expecting you?¡±

    She had expected this resistance. ¡°If you tell him my name, I¡¯m certain he¡¯ll want to see me.¡±

    The guard¡¯s skepticism was obvious. ¡°And that is?¡±

    ¡°Sasha. Sasha Sullivan¡± she replied softly.

    The guard spoke into his walkie-talkie. She discerned her own name in the rapid delivery of information. Then, he clicked the walkie-talkie back to his hip.

    ¡°He says you can go up.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Nerves were jangling inside her, doubts firing in her gut. Maybe she should turn around. Go back home. Call him with this information. Or not. She had no idea. She just suddenly knew the thought ofing face-to-face with Kaleb with this news filled her with ice.

    She was going to be sick.

    ¡°Miss? Are you okay?¡±

    But she¡¯de all this way. She¡¯d grappled with this for weeks now, she¡¯d faced the reality of being pregnant with Kaleb¡¯s baby, trying to work out the best way to tell him. She had to tell him-there was nothing for it.

    ¡°I will be.¡± Yes, she would be. She needed simply to get this over with. The faster the better. Sasha¡¯s smile was tight as she started to drive in, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    She parked her car, got out, pulled a face, straightened her spine and began to walk into the house. She didn¡¯t belong here. She didn¡¯t want to be here. She just needed to tell him and get out.

    ¡°Miss Sullivan?¡± A woman wearing a uniform approached Sasha, a professional smile on her pretty face. ¡°This way, please.¡±

    Sasha nodded stiffly, falling into step beside the woman. She pushed a door open and Sasha followed. ¡°Would you like anything to drink, miss?¡±

    Sasha  shook her head. ¡°No, thank you.¡± She replied. She wasn¡¯t sure she could even take anything at the moment without throwing up. She waited until she was alone and then scanned the room, her eyes taking in the obvious signs of wealth that were littered without care. Luxury and money. Designer furniture filled out this room, a television the size of her bed on one wall, and through the ss partition a huge bedroom with a spa against the windows.

    Kaleb¡¯s bedroom?

    Her pulse picked up a notch and on autopilot she wandered towards it, her heart hammering against her chest as she pushed the door open.

    Yes. She couldn¡¯t say how she knew, only there was something in the air, his masculine, alpine fragrance that instantly jolted her senses. She backed out quickly, as though the very fires of hell were lining the floor in there. She had to do this. She would tell him, and then leave, giving him a chance to digest it, and to consider her wishes. This would be over in minutes.

    Minutes.

    She waited, and with each moment that passed her nerves stretched tighter, thinner, finer and more tremulous, so, five minutester, she honestly thought she might pass out. She was on the brink of leaving the room and going in search of Kaleb herself when the door burst inwards and he strode into the room, wearing only a pair of shorts, and a look that showed his impatience with her arrival.

    He looked so rxed¡­ Unlike herself who was stressed. Was he with someone? Probably ire. Jealousy tore through her, but Sasha told herself it was outrage. Outrage that she¡¯d been agonizing over the baby they were going to have while he¡¯d slipped out of bed and gone back to his normal life as though it had never happened.

    If she¡¯d held even a single shred of hope that he might be d to see her, it disappeared immediately. ¡°Sasha¡± His eyes roamed her face. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I came to talk to you¡± she said carelessly, and she was d for the outrage because it helped her not care about how he felt. ¡°I wanted to tell you that¡­ That I¡¯m pregnant.¡±

 30

    His eyes narrowed, then dropped lower, until he was staring at her stomach, although the pregnancy wasn¡¯t visible yet, and she felt the force of his shock, the reverberation of his confusion. It mmed into the room, mmed against her, and if she weren¡¯t so consumed with her own feelings she might almost have felt sympathy for him.

    ¡°Yes.¡± She answered the unspoken question, her voice slightly shaky as she repeated her words. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡±

    He was silent for no more than a split-second. ¡°Congrattions,¡± he said evenly. ¡°Who¡¯s the lucky man?¡±

    Sasha stared at him. ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°The father,¡± he exined. ¡°Of your child.¡±

    Sasha shook her head in disbelief and the French it in her hair felt as heavy as lead as it snaked down her spine. Even in her very worst nightmares she could never have dreamed that he would be so insensitive. ¡°Why, you are-of course.¡± she said. ¡°You are the father,¡±

    His eyes swept shut, almost as if he could wipe this meeting from reality, as if he would open his gaze and she¡¯d be gone. It wasn¡¯t until that moment Sasha realized that she¡¯d been partly hoping he would react well to this news. While neither of them had nned this, nor wanted it particrly, a baby was still cause for celebration, wasn¡¯t it? Apparently not.

    The expression in his eyes was chilling. ¡°There¡¯s no ¡±of course¡± about it. In fact, as a candidate, I¡¯m least likely to be the father, surely? We used a condom.

    Remember?¡±

    ¡°Candidate?¡± Sasha repeated, She selected the one word which had jarred more than anything else he had said and repeated it incredulously, trying to steady the rapid rise in her breathing. ¡°Are you¡­?¡± She struggled toplete the sentence. ¡°Are you implying what I think you¡¯re implying? That any number of men could be the father?¡±

    He shrugged. ¡°You tell me.¡±

    Sasha resisted the desire to il her fingernails at his mocking, sarcastic face-something she couldn¡¯t even me on her rocketing hormones.

    Suddenly she got a glimmering of the way his warped mind was working, and she felt quite violently sick. Her hand flew to her mouth and her words were muffled as a consequence. ¡°You don¡¯t honestly think that I jumped straight from your bed into another¡¯s man¡¯s bed, do you?¡±

    ¡°But you weren¡¯t in my bed, were you, Sasha? You never have been. The action all took ce at your ce. Who knows what followed next? I didn¡¯t exactly have to mount a long and strategic campaign to seduce you, did I? Why should I tter myself that another man¡­ Probably Samson judging by the way he looks at you, would be any different?¡±

    Sasha stared at him, feeling like an animal that had been shot and wounded. Enough to traumatize but not enough to inflict a mortal blow.

    Was this what had she agonized over for days and days and weeks and weeks? Was this why she had felt honor-bound to tell him? For this?

    She felt her legs grow weak. ¡°Get out of my way, Kaleb! I¡¯m leaving!¡± she croaked, but instead, she sat down abruptly on the sofa and shut her eyes with exhaustion. When she opened them again Kaleb was bending over her, pping a glossy magazine over her face in an attempt to circte the air. His own face, she noted with some satisfaction, was tight with tension.

    She tried to sit up, but he shook his head and restrained her, with the t of his hand pushed gently against one shoulder.

    She wriggled like a captive eel. ¡°Keep your hands off me!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a littlete in the day for that, surely?¡± was his wry reply. ¡°Would you like something to drink?¡±

    ¡°I feel like a good, stiff brandy if you must know!¡±

    ¡°Well, you can¡¯t have it,¡± he answered repressively. ¡°Not in your condition.¡±

    ¡°Condition?¡± Sasha nearly burst into noisy sobs. ¡°It¡¯s such a corny word¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a pretty corny situation all round,¡± he said bitterly, and turned towards the door.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± she choked.

    ¡°To make you some tea. I¡¯ll have the brandy.¡±

    She stretched out on the sofa until the shuddering of her breathing became steady, and she must have drifted off into a light sleep, because when she opened her eyes it was to find Kaleb pouring out tea and spooning sugar into it.

    She still felt lousy. Physically. And yet some of the burden seemed to have been lifted from her shoulders. He hadn¡¯t actually told her not to worry, and she didn¡¯t think he would-but at least she didn¡¯t feel alone any more.

    He waited until she had drunk some tea and a little color had returned to her face. Then he sat down on a hard chair opposite her.

    ¡°So. You say I¡¯m the father?¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°No. I don¡¯t say, Kaleb-you are the father.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    She finished her tea and put the cup down. It was no good feeling offended by his assumptions-she hadn¡¯t exactly behaved like some sort of saint, had she? But one thing was for sure-if she started behaving hysterically it would not do anyone any good. Least of all the baby.

    She ced a protective palm over her belly, and if Kaleb registered the sudden action he didn¡¯tment on it. ¡°Quite sure,¡± she said calmly.

    He cleared his throat. ¡°May I ask how?¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you do biology at school?¡± she questioned wildly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be flippant at a time like this! I asked you a civil question-I¡¯d appreciate a civil answer!¡±

    ¡°Because¡­¡± She floundered for the most delicate way of phrasing it-but what was the point? They¡¯d insulted each other about as much as they could. ¡°Because I¡¯ve not been having sex with anyone else,¡±

    She saw that he still looked unconvinced. ¡°But we used a condom, didn¡¯t we?¡± he asked,

    She avoided his eyes, ¡°No we didn¡¯t, Kaleb¡±

    He stared at her, finally realizing that she was right. He¡¯dpletely forgotten to use one¡­ For the first time in his life, he¡¯d forgotten to use a condom. He closed his eyes and buried his face in his hands. When he looked up, he opened his eyes and his gaze pierced her soul, it was with a look of rejection, and panic. ¡°No.¡± He red at her. ¡°This cannot be happening.¡±

 31

    Sasha curved a hand around her stomach, trying to be generous, to remember he was shocked, that she¡¯d had time to adjust to this news and he was being presented with it all now. ¡°Really?¡± She arched her brow. ¡°But it is,¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    He swore and moved towards a bar in the corner, pulling out two bottles of mineral water. He stalked towards her and held one out and she took it without thinking, her fingers curving over the top, but she didn¡¯t drink it. She watched him take several gulps of the liquid before he dropped the bottle.

    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­. I can¡¯t be a father. I¡¯m not ready to be one. I didn¡¯t n to be one right now,¡±

    Kaleb was madder than hell. It was so obvious: she had put him squarely in the frame as the father. No woman had enraged and inmed him asprehensively as Sasha. He had tried to put her out of his mind, but his body would not let him, a galling admission to make, but not one he intended to act on. His dark eyes raked assessingly over her. The tiny white shorts she wore hugged her hips like a second skin, and her stomach still appeared t, but perhaps her breasts were a little fuller¡­ No! He didn¡¯t want to go there. Yes, he did. But he had no intention of being conned into fatherhood by a dark eyed little witch, however desirable, his hard eyes sweeping back up to her lovely face.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you do something about it?¡± he queried with biting cynicism, ¡°I mean, there are pills one could take to prevent this. I know that, so why didn¡¯t you take it?¡±

    ¡°I forgot,¡± she red back at him. She could see the anger in every tense line of his body, and hear it in every word he spoke. The Kaleb she thought she knew, was not this furious stranger towering over her.

    ¡°You forgot?¡± he thundered. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Don¡¯t you women keep track of your¡­ Ovtion and stuff like that? How do I even know that you are telling the truth about being pregnant or if it¡¯s really mine. I want proof!¡±

    Sasha heaved in a shuddering breath. She was slow to anger, but this arrogant man standing before her had seeded in doing just that. He¡¯d not only insulted her, but then he had the colossal nerve to suggest she was lying about being pregnant. Fury made her leap up from the sofa and stand ring at him. ¡°Call yourself a man?¡± she derided, her eyes shing mes. ¡°You sleep with me for a night and then ignore me for weeks because I didn¡¯t let things go your way. And then when I tell you there are consequences for our actions, you are full of self-righteous rage. Terrified I might cost you what, Kaleb? Money? Your freedom? Or your rtionship with ire?¡± she said with enough scorn to make him clench his fists at his sides to control his anger.

    ¡°Demanding proof I¡¯m pregnant.¡± Shaking with rage, she shoved him in the chest with the t of her hand, and his mouth tightened to a thin line, but he let her. ¡°What do you suggest, huh?¡± she demanded hysterically. ¡°I sh my belly open to show you? Is that it, is that what you really want-a convenient termination? Is that cheap enough for you?¡±

    Kaleb¡¯s cool fa?ade cracked wide open and he paled like a man in shock. ¡°No. Sasha, no.¡± His strong hands reached out to grasp her shaking shoulders and he pulled her to him, his face only inches from her own. ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Sasha, don¡¯t even think about it.¡±

    His ck eyes, wide with horror, were fixed on hers, his fingers biting into her flesh. Shocked out of her near hysterics by the force of his reaction, she snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have every intention of keeping my child. And let go of me, you¡¯re hurting me.¡±

    Kaleb drew in a deep, audible breath. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize.¡± His hands gentled on her shoulders, but he did not let her go.

    Which was just as well because Sasha felt weak. ¡°What a disaster,¡± she murmured. Her hormones were all over the ce, and the emotional turmoil of the past few weeks was finally getting to her. And discovering the father of her child didn¡¯t want anything to do with the baby didn¡¯t help. The only positive was Kaleb had made it very clear he didn¡¯t want her to terminate the pregnancy.

    ¡°It does not have to be a disaster,¡± Kaleb said. ¡°We will figure something out, as long as it doesn¡¯t involve us getting married, or anything crazy like that. We already have enough to worry about¡±

    Her head jerked up. ¡°Married-? If that was a proposal itcked something in the offering,¡± she said bluntly. ¡°You can rx, Kaleb. I am having this baby, with or without you and, I can assure you, living as I do, I am in an ideal position to bring up my own child. I don¡¯t need to be married to you to do anything and for your information, I don¡¯t want to be married to you! I see no thrill in it so why should I want it?¡±

    She was being perverse, she knew. If Kaleb ever decided that he wanted them to get married, he would be offering her everything she had ever dreamed of, and weeks ago, she would have jumped at the chance, but now she was no longer so sure. A lot had changed in weeks and nothing seemed like it used to be. Plus she had never heard him so angry or so insulting.

    Her words hurt. Kaleb stiffened, his hands dropping from her shoulders, and suddenly he was back to his cool, arrogant best, all trace of emotion gone, more like the Kaleb she knew so well. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. You cannot me me for what I said. You heard me before, I¡¯m barely ready for this and marriage would only be another burden. We can barely stay in a room together without fighting or arguing, so I think we can agree that I was right.¡±

    He was right, she knew. The baby hade unexpectedly and she had to understand his shock because she¡¯d gone through it also. So why was she so mad at hisment about marriage? Because she wanted it all:

    She wanted Kaleb to love her. She wanted him to want her, as she wanted him. Was she being unreasonable?

 32

    There was a long, loaded silence. His eyes met hers incredulously.  ¡°Does Tilly know¡­ About the baby?¡± Kaleb asked in a shocked voice.

    ¡°No she doesn¡¯t, at least not yet, so don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Tilly retorted.

    He was shaking his head as if he had juste out of some long-term trance. Surely this had to be a dream. Weeks ago he¡¯d told himself that no matter how tempted he was-he wasn¡¯t going to go near her again, but now here he was, dealing with the consequences of that one time together.

    ¡°How far along are you now?¡±

    ¡°Seven weeks¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding¡±

    ¡°I wish I was.¡±

    The dark eyes bored into her. ¡°And what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    Sasha looked at him. What did he expect her to say? That she was overjoyed at the thought of bringing an unnned child into the world? A child whose father thought so little of her that he had not been near her since that night of passion weeks ago.¡± I don¡¯t know what I mean,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m mixed up, I guess.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Kaleb found his eyes drawn irresistibly to her stomach. He realized that he had only ever looked at a woman¡¯s body as an object of desire before now, but suddenly he recognised that Sasha¡¯s body would nurture his child. He swallowed, the enormity of it all hitting him as he looked closer, but he could detect no tell-tale swell. Not underneath that shirt she was wearing. He looked at his watch and sighed. ¡°I have to go out tonight. Very soon, in fact.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s the difference between us, isn¡¯t it?¡± she questioned, and her voice was filled with a kind of bitterness as she felt her freedom begin to slip away. ¡°Your life will go on undisturbed, won¡¯t it, Kaleb?¡±

    ¡°Well, hardly,¡± he bit out. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine that I¡¯m going to have a rip-roaring time tonight after this bombshell has been dropped in myp.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re concerned about your social calendar?¡± she demanded incredulously. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me-I¡¯m just concerned about the rest of my life!¡±

    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, will you stop twisting my words, Sasha? I was thinking short-term, that¡¯s all. You were looking at the wider canvas. Understandably.¡±

    She knew that she had no right to ask where he was going, or with whom, and yet stupidly enough she felt as though she did have rights. He was the father of her unborn child, for heaven¡¯s sake!

    But only through luck. Or bad luck, as he would probably see it. Luck he could have done without.

    Sasha made her mind up in that moment. This baby had not been conceived out of love. Certainly not on Kaleb¡¯s part. But one thing was for sure-when their child arrived kicking and shouting into the world there would be nothing but love waiting.

    She sat up, feeling stronger now, smoothing back a damp tendril of hair. She leaned back against the cushions. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s best if we get a few things straight right from the start, Kaleb¡±

    He became watchful. ¡°Go on,¡± he said warily.

    ¡°I just want you to know that I¡¯m not asking you for financial support.¡±

    He stilled. ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m not asking for your emotional support, either,¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± His eyes burned into her. ¡°Just what are you asking, then, Sasha?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± She bit her lip. ¡°Nothing at all.¡±

    ¡°No money? No babysitting for the nights you want to go out?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t project that far into the future; she simply couldn¡¯t imagine it. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°So why bother telling me at all?¡±

    Surely he understood that? ¡°Because as the father you have a right to know.¡±

    ¡°Just no right to have any involvement with my son or daughter¡¯s life?¡±

    ¡°Judging by your reaction earlier, you wouldn¡¯t want any, surely?¡± she asked him, her surprise genuine.

    ¡°How the hell do you know what I want-when I don¡¯t even know myself?¡± he snarled. ¡°And how can I possibly make a snap decision about such an earth-shattering piece of information as this?¡±

    ¡°Kaleb-¡± she began¡­.

    ¡°I want time to think about it,¡± he continued remorselessly. ¡°We¡¯ve already acted with indecent haste- maybe if we hadn¡¯t then we wouldn¡¯t have found ourselves in this situation. We owe it to the baby to work out our best options. And we owe it to ourselves,¡± he finished quietly.

    Even in the midst of all the emotions which swirled around her like the thrashing sea above the head of a non-swimmer, two words pushed themselves to the front of her mind.

    The baby. How cold that sounded.

    ¡°It isn¡¯t the baby-it¡¯s my baby,¡± she said aloud, in case the child growing inside her could hear them, and might turn distractedly in the womb, feeling unloved and unwanted.

    ¡°My baby, too, ¡± he said quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that,¡± He looked at her fierce little face and felt a pang of something approaching remorse. If only he hadn¡¯t ravished her quite so thoroughly. He swallowed down his self-disgust.

    At least they were agreed on something-his behavior had seemed to be way beyond control. Indeed, he could not remember ever having been so ovee with desire-but he could hardly me her for that, could he? And, meanwhile, he should have been somewhere else ten minutes ago.

    ¡°Listen, this is too much to take on board and try and sort out in one brief meeting. Besides, I have to go now.¡±

    ¡°Of course you do.¡±

    He stared at her. She looked so damned vulnerable, lying there. ¡°Will you be¡­ all right?¡±

    Sasha forced herself to get up off the sofa, impatiently shaking off the hand which he immediately reached out to steady her. ¡°Of course I¡¯ll be all right.

    And there¡¯s no need to treat me like a fragile olddy! I¡¯m pregnant, Kaleb-not ill!¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he agreed. The static in the air had made the loose shirt cling to her, and now he could see the curve of her belly. Still t, but his child was growing in there. He felt a lump rise in his throat, and instinctively reached out and put his arms around her in a gesture offort.

    For a moment Sasha let herself be held, sinking into the warm security of his arms where she felt safe. He smelt clean-of lemons and musk-and she found that she wanted to sink into the protection of his body, to rest her head on his shoulder.

 33

    In that moment she felt really close to him. How peculiar that a simple hug could be infinitely more intimate than full-scale sex. She pulled away- knowing that it was dangerous to attach more than she should to small acts of support.

    You¡¯d¡­ better go¡­ and me too. I should leave,¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    But he seemed strangely reluctant to move. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to your car,¡±

    Silently, Sasha followed him. They walked silently to her car and he opened the door for her. She slipped inside and he stared at her for a while, ¡°Goodnight, Sasha¡± he said atst.

    ¡°When will I see you?¡± Funny, too, that her new-found ¡®condition¡¯ gave her the right to ask questions like this.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he told her. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Just as soon as Kaleb had left, Sasha was asking herself why on earth she¡¯d been so passive. She shouldn¡¯t have asked when she was going to see him. She should have demanded to know!

    Because things needed to be decided.

    Like what official story they were going to give¡­ to people. Most especially Tilly and their parents.

    They couldn¡¯t hide it forever. As the pregnancy became more advanced they were going to have to say something. She wouldn¡¯t be able to keep it secret from Tilly and Miriam for much longer either, that was for sure.

    The following morning, she was baking scones in the kitchen when Kaleb called. Lately, the sickness seemed toete-morning, and she found that if she could get the bulk of the food preparation over before that then she was usually free of the horrible, dry retching which made her stomach feel like a deted balloon afterwards. But this morning the sickness had struck early, and without warning. Sasha wondered if it was the psychological impact of having told Kaleb and consequently not sleeping a wink all night.

    She picked the call. ¡°Hello?¡± she said.

    ¡°Why are you out of breath?¡± demanded the voice at the other end.

    ¡°Because pregnant women get easily puffed!¡±

    There was a pause while he considered this. ¡°Will you have dinner with me tonight?¡±

    ¡°Dinner?¡±

    He gave a shortugh. ¡°Is that such a bizarre request in the circumstances, Sasha?¡± She heard the sarcasm which coloured his voice and understood it immediately. If there had been a time for sounding shocked it should have been when he had arrived at her apartment weeks ago after sending her those flowers, wearing a dark, sultry expression and intent on seduction. Not when he was asking her to share a meal with him as two civilized and consenting adults.

    ¡°No, of course it isn¡¯t,¡± she told him quickly. She was about to utter, I¡¯d love to, but that would have been pure convention, not truth. ¡°Where?¡±

    Another pause. ¡°I thought at my house.¡±

    She bit her lip. ¡°A nice hotel too public for you?¡±

    ¡°Not in the way you¡¯re thinking-¡± he replied,

    ¡°And how the hell would you know what I was thinking, Kaleb?¡±

    He sighed. ¡°If we go to a restaurant, then we¡¯re on show, aren¡¯t we? People watch us, assess us¡­ And I don¡¯t think you want that¡­ At least not now.¡±

    ¡°Assess me, you mean. And how pregnant I am.¡±

    ¡°Sasha,¡± he said patiently. ¡°Unless you¡¯ve suddenly been diagnosed as expecting triplets I can¡¯t for the life of me see how yesterday your pregnancy was a secret whilst today the whole world would know that secret just by looking at you!¡±

    ¡°Because today I really feel pregnant!¡± she wailed.

    ¡°Probably because you told someone,¡± he mused. ¡°Anyway, dinner. Come early-is six o¡¯clock okay?¡±

    ¡°I suppose so.¡± Do you want me toe and pick you up you?¡±

    ¡°No, I think I can probably manage the drive myself. I intend to do a lot of things myself until I¡¯m sure I can¡¯t do them any more,¡±

    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re sure¡­¡±

    ¡°Kaleb, I¡¯m not an invalid-I told you that before!¡±

    ¡°No,¡± he agreed. ¡°You¡¯re just having a baby. My baby, in fact,¡± he finished, with an unfamiliar note of something she couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on. And Sasha wondered whether it had been pride or panic she had heard in his voice.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    Sasha always dressed carefully since she found out that she was pregnant, but nothingpared to the agonized deliberations she indulged in once she¡¯d shut up the food truck and sent Miriam home. Dinner with Kaleb in the most bizarre circumstances imaginable-so what did she wear?

    The sleek cream dress and matching jacket she had worn that day were immediately rejected as much too formal. Sasha narrowed her eyes at the dress and guessed that it probably wouldn¡¯t do, anyway.

    Given her newly expanded waistline, she didn¡¯t really have a lot of choice. Pencil skirts were out, for obvious reasons. So were the narrowly cut trousers she sometimes wore. And what self-destructive little imp had prompted her to think that she might be able to get away with jeans and a big cotton T-shirt?

    She couldn¡¯t even get the jeans past her thighs! She was definitely going to have to buy some new clothes to amodate this baby. In the end she selected a simple silk trouser to match with the shirt. The wide, soft trousers had an sticated waistband and the slip-over top was cool and roomy.  It hid the small swell of her belly and the color made the most of her skin, hair and eyes.

    She put on a coat of waterproof mascara and a slick of clear lipgloss, then wove a ck velvet ribbon into the French it in her hair and she was ready.

    She drove carefully to Kaleb¡¯s house. It was a balmy evening, the air thick with the scent of roses and the muted sound of ate tennis game somewhere in the distance. Security didn¡¯t ask her any questions this time and just let her drive in. Kaleb opened the door before she had a chance to ring the bell, which she guessed meant that he had been watching out for her-and that pleased her. Not because she thought for a moment that he was mooning over her like a lovesick calf-but because it implied that he was nervous, too. Which would even things up a little. And it wasn¡¯t like Kaleb to be nervous.

    He stood in the doorway and looked at her. Despite what he¡¯d said to her on the phone about looking no different he realized that she did look different. How you saw someone depended on what you thought about them.

 34

    And now he knew she was pregnant she suddenly looked like the most pregnant woman in the world. Cool and clean as a ss of water. All glowing and growing and radiant.

    ¡°Hi,¡± he said, and his voice sounded much softer than usual. ¡°d you could make it. Come in.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± d she could make it? Heavens, how formal they sounded-as though it was a boardroom meeting they were attending. And how surreal-given the circumstances of why she was there!

    She stepped into the wide hallway, with its sweeping staircase and softly gleaming wooden banister, and felt herself suddenly cloaked with insecurities.

    Kaleb noticed her body freeze with tension, and he frowned. ¡°Is something the matter?¡± he asked

    She shrugged.  ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m fine,¡±

    His face darkened and he gave her a look which was the closest she had ever seen to Kaleb looking helpless. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    She nodded.

    ¡°Come through,¡± he said-and gestured towards a door at the end of the corridor. ¡°To the kitchen.¡±

    It was a huge kitchen, with a big, scrubbed pine table and an enormous old-fashioned range. It looked too tidy to be a room which was used a lot, and Sasha wondered how often he ate here. But there were some beautiful pieces of coloured ss dotted here and there, and a terracotta dish containing oranges and lemons. She could imagine a cat sitting contentedly by the range. A ginger cat, licking its glossy coat.

    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful room,¡± she murmured.

    The  windows were open, leading out onto a garden which was still a blur of mauves and pinks and blues, although the brilliant greens of high summer were gone. Sasha blinked. She turned around to find Kaleb studying her intently.

    ¡°What would you like to drink?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯ve got most fruit juices. Or there¡¯s mineral water, if you¡¯d prefer,¡±

    The feeling of losing control over her body was only intensified. Sasha frowned at him. ¡°And what would you say if I asked you for a proper drink? A ss of wine or a beer?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d probably tell you that although some say a small drink is permissible, doctors now rmend-¡±

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± Sasha dropped her handbag onto a high-backed chair which stood next to the range and turned indignantly to face him. ¡°Will you stop it?¡±

    ¡°Stop what?¡±

    ¡°Trying to take control!¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t,¡± he said stubbornly. ¡°I was just-¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know! Interfering! It¡¯s my body,¡± she dered.

    ¡°And you¡¯ve got my baby growing inside it,¡± he told her quietly.

    Wide-eyed, they stared at one another, his words shocking them both into silence. Kaleb had spent a sleepless night trying toe to terms with her news. Yesterday he had been dazed and confused. And angry. But this morning he¡¯d found him-self standing in his garden to see the new dawn break- his feet all bare and soaked with dew. And what had seemed like an out-and-out disaster in the darkest hours had taken on an air of mystery and wonder as the sun had burst upon the sky in a ze of pink and orange and purple.

    A baby¡­

    But that had still been a baby in the abstract sense. Saying those words out loud somehow made it real. And far more real for her than for him. She was the one it was actually happening to. What right did he have to police her every move?

    ¡°Have a ss of wine if you¡¯d like some,¡± he growled.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t, actually,¡± she answered sweetly. ¡°But I¡¯d like to be given the choice. You see, over the years I¡¯ve be rather fond of making my own decisions¡­ I did that again, seven weeks ago, when I found out that I was pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Point taken, Sasha,¡± He gave a slightly unsteady smile as he poured out two tall sses of mineral water, adding ice and lemon before handing her one. ¡°So. What shall we drink to?¡± he asked. ¡°The baby?¡±

    ¡°The baby.¡± She nodded obediently, wondering if this sensation of unreality would ever disappear. It was as if this was all happening to someone else, not her. She stole a nce at the calm way he was sipping at his drink. ¡°You seem to have epted the fact remarkably well.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice, do I?¡± He put his drink down and slid some bread into the oven, then bent to take sd ingredients from out of the fridge and began chopping tomatoes. ¡°And when you don¡¯t have a choice-then you make the best of things. Good lesson for life,¡±

    She thought that, yes, it was. That in a funny kind of way that had been exactly her own philosophy-right from when she had been a little girl. She looked up to tell him that and found his eyes on her, the sh of understanding in them telling her far more clearly than words ever could that he knew. He put the knife down, and smiled as he said her name, the smile all mixed up with tenderness and regret.

    ¡°Oh, Sasha,¡± he sighed.

    His eyes were incandescent with a fierce light, and for a moment she nearly forgot herself. Nearly reached across and touched her fingertips against the faint shadow on his chin. Wanting to trace the shape of his face, the squared-off curve of his jaw, the sensual pout of his lips. But she had no right to touch him, none at all, and she shrank back.

    ¡°What is it?¡± he demanded urgently. ¡°Why has your face gone so white? Is it the baby? Are you sick?¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°No. I just got a short, sharp dose of reality which forced me to ept a few unptable facts.¡±

    He severed a piece of cucumber. ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°I remembered that I am only here by ident. That¡¯s all. We are not partners, Kaleb, not in the true sense of the word. Nor even lovers. And I am not the proud bearer of your child-I am simply a vessel that got filled by-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± He put the knife down and gripped her upper arms-not hard, but she could feel his fingers burning into her flesh through the thin silk.

    ¡°Don¡¯t dare tell the truth, you mean?¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    He shook his head impatiently. ¡°That¡¯s only your version of the truth. Thinking negatively won¡¯t do you any good at all,¡± he ground out. ¡°Or the baby. Or the whole damn situation!¡±

 35

    He moved his face closer, and Sasha felt helpless beneath a gaze so probing it made her feel that he could look into her mind and read every thought there.

    Could he tell that she wanted him with an urgency which had her fingers itching to pull his face down to hers? To meet and meld with those sweet, hard lips which would open under pressure¡­ She swallowed down her desire with difficulty and wriggled out of his grip.

    ¡°We have to be positive,¡± he whispered. ¡°Both of us.¡±

    She nodded her head. ¡°I know we do.¡±

    His eyes zed. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to worry, Sasha. Not about anything. Do you understand?¡±

    The attack of lust passed as quickly as it had arrived, in time for her to realize that he was talking to her as if she had just had her brain removed. ¡°But I¡¯m not worried!¡± she protested. ¡°Honestly!¡±From N?velDrama.Org.

    He shook his head, as if he thought she was just reassuring him for the sake of it, to be polite. ¡°Well, I am,¡± he said tly.

    ¡°You¡¯re worried?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±

    She looked at him expectantly. ¡°What about?¡±

    ¡°About a lot of things¡­. LiLike u living in that apartment of yours all by yourself,¡±

    Sasha fixed him with a furious look. He hadn¡¯t thought her apartment so ghastly that it had prevented him from making love to her there! ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡± she inquired.

    ¡°Well, imagine if you needed help and no one was there to help you. What? What if something crazy happens? Like the kitchen¡­. What if the kitchen caught fire!¡± he said heatedly.

    Sasha frowned. ¡°Why should it?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Things happen. Crazy things. You can¡¯t me me if I worry. Lots of things could make a kitchen catch fire, you know?  Good grief, your oven could explode!¡±

    ¡°And so could yours!¡± she retorted.  ¡°What is your problem? I¡¯m not living in a booby-trap, you know!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not suggesting you are-¡±

    ¡°And for your information, I¡¯m careful about safety. In the kitchen and every other room in my house! I¡¯m careful every day!¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± He beamed with triumph. ¡°It¡¯s too much for you to handle! You¡¯re doing that now and you look exhausted, if you want the truth. Imagine when you¡¯re dragging yourself around at forty weeks.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re making me sound like an Antic whale!¡± Sasha objected mildly. But she was surprised and impressed that he knew how long a pregnancysted, and remembered his earlierments about what doctors rmended about drinking. ¡°And since when did you be such an expert on childbirth?¡±

    He gave an unfamiliar and sheepish grin. ¡°I went out and bought just about every book there was on the subject.¡±

    ¡°And how many was that?¡± she asked faintly.

    He counted off on his fingers. ¡°Four books on pregnancy. There¡¯s an even bigger section on the first year of life, and then-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard everything I need to know.¡±

    ¡°Ah, but that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong!¡± He poured them out some more mineral water, as if ying for time. ¡°Whatever objections you may put up, you know in your heart that I¡¯m right.¡±

    ¡°If you say so, Kaleb,¡± she said demurely, thinking that if she gave him enough rope he might hang himself!

    He breezed on, not seeming to notice her skeptical expression. ¡°I¡¯m not saying there¡¯s anything wrong with your ce. I¡¯m just saying that I don¡¯t like the idea of you, a pregnant woman, to be living alone. And that¡¯s why I¡¯ve decided-¡± he drew a deep breath, like a man seeking courage to make the ultimate sacrifice ¡°-to let youe and live here.¡±

    Sasha was so thunderstruck by Kaleb¡¯s suggestion that she just stared at him, her mouth limply falling open. She must have misheard. Must have. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I heard that properly, Kaleb.¡±

    He smiled thecent smile of a man who had never been turned down for anything in his life. ¡°You cane and live here,¡± he exined kindly. ¡°My home will be your home.¡±

    ¡°When you say live here¡­¡± heSasha sitated as quiet hysteria gave her the terrible temptation to giggle. She tried to find a diplomatic way of wording her question and realized that there wasn¡¯t one. ¡°What do you mean, exactly?¡±

    His eyes were wary.¡± It sounds straightforward enough to me.¡±

    ¡°Well, not to me. I¡¯m interested to know just what role I¡¯d be expected to y.¡±

    ¡°What role?¡± he repeated cautiously.

    ¡°Sure. Will I be your partner, in the full sense of the word? Will we be sharing a bed and having sex together? Or am I simply expected to drift around the edges of your life? And, in that case, won¡¯t your girlfriend be rather spooked when she sees a woman who is heavily pregnant-with your child-walking around the ce and treating it like home. What if I unwittingly walked in just as you were about to seduce her on the sofa?

    ¡°Sasha!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no good saying ¡±Sasha!¡± like that,¡± she said serenely, enjoying the look of outrage on his face. ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer any of my questions.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think that I¡¯d be upstairs¡­?¡± His voice trailed off in disbelief and it took a moment or two for him to repeat the word. ¡°Upstairs¡­¡±

    ¡°Making love?¡± she put in helpfully, feeling emotionally stronger by the second. ¡°Well, that would certainly be preferable to you being downstairs making love!¡±

    ¡°Just what kind of a man do you think I am?¡± he demanded.

    ¡°Well, since you ask¡­¡± Sasha met his gaze unflinchingly. ¡°The kind of man who has sex when he feels like it and doesn¡¯t even bother seeing the woman afterwards. Does that sound familiar?¡±

    ¡°Oh. Oh, I see.¡± His watchfulness transformed itself into a panther-like stealth, and Sasha wondered if she had pushed him just a little too far. ¡°Is that what this is all about?¡± he queried silkily. ¡°The fact that it was just a one-off? Is that why you¡¯re so angry?¡±

    ¡°I thought I was being more practical than angry,¡± she reasoned, because anger would imply vulnerability-and she needed to be strong. ¡°I¡¯ve learnt to cope with most things in my life, Kaleb, and this won¡¯t be any different.¡±She shrugged her shoulders.  ¡°These things happen.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not forget that it wouldn¡¯t have been a one night stand or a one off, if you had gotten on that ne and came to be with me in Rome. You made it a one night stand.¡±

 36

    He reached his hand up towards her face and Sasha tensed, but he was merely brushing a strand of hair from where it had been threatening to glue itself to her lips. The tiny gesture was oddly touching. It made her feel defenseless when she needed to be tough. Did he recognise that? Was that why he had renewed his campaign?

    ¡°And you still haven¡¯t answered my question.¡± He studied her carefully. ¡°Abouting to live here.¡±

    Sasha moved away from the work-top, wanting to be out of range of that delectable dark stare, but wanting more than anything to eat. These days she seemed to be controlled by her body.

    She smiled at him. ¡°I can¡¯t possibly answer that on an empty stomach. So, can we please have some food now?

    I¡¯m starving.¡±

    Kaleb gave a small, wry smile in response. Had he thought she would agree toe and live here as easily as she had agreed to have such warm and beautiful sex with him?¡± Sure we can.¡± He added some tuna to the sd and took the warmed bread out of the oven. ¡°Want to eat in here? Or is it warm enough to eat outside?¡±

    ¡°Outside.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± Sasha carried out the checkered cloth he gave her and spread it over the grass, while Kaleb carried the food and water on a tray.

    He spooned her out a generous portion of sde nicoise and watched while she devoured it with an appetite.

    He smiled. Guess she really was eating for two now, he thought and the sense of protectiveness he¡¯d felt towards her was more than he¡¯d ever imagined.¡±From N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Do you always eat that much these days?¡± he enquired, once she had paused for breath.

    She wiped up thest of the dressing with a piece of bread and ate it slowly, waiting until she had finished chewing before she answered his question. ¡°Not usually. It¡¯s this pregnancy business.¡±

    He turned onto his side and stretched out on the grass, tucking the white T-shirt into his jeans as he did so, making Sasha horribly aware of how long and how muscr his legs were.

    ¡°So, tell me all about it,¡± he said softly.¡± This pregnancy business.¡±

    She pushed her empty te away and took a sip of water. ¡°Sometimes you¡¯re so sick that you tell yourself you¡¯ll never eat another thing-just so you won¡¯t be able to be sick.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°Then the baby must send some message to your brain, or your stomach-or something. Because suddenly you discover that you could devour just about everything in the fridge-and then some! You feel like one of those locusts you see on nature films- the kind that march around stripping everything bare¡­¡±

    Now why had she said that?

    His eyes darkened at the way she faltered on thosest few words, and his smile grew thoughtful.¡± Well, feel free, Sasha, ¡°he murmured.¡± Strip everything bare, if that¡¯s what you really want.¡±

    She red.¡± It isn¡¯t really helpful if you¡¯re going to make suggestive remarks like that, Kaleb,¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the effect you¡¯re having on me,¡± he groaned.

    ¡°But I¡¯m not doing anything!¡± she protested.

    ¡°No?¡± He suspected that if she started reading from the telephone directory he would find it sexy! ¡°Don¡¯t look so shocked! Surely you must realize how damned gorgeous you look sitting there?¡±

    ¡°Gorgeous?¡± She looked down at herself. All she could see was the swollen breasts and tummy, which, after the gigantic portion of food she had just put away, made it look as though she was due to give birth at any moment¡­ At least that was what she thought.¡± Normally I can¡¯t stand false modesty-but that sounds pretty genuine to me.¡±

    He shook his head in disbelief. ¡°Of course you look gorgeous. You¡¯re blooming, Sasha,¡± he said softly. ¡°Blooming like a rose in high summer. Your skin is clear and your eyes are bright as stars. Hell, your figure has always been the best I¡¯ve ever seen on any woman, but pregnancy has only enhanced it.¡±

    He shut up then. Her mutinous expression told him that now might not be a good time to tell her how magnificent her breasts looked. He rolled over onto his stomach. At least that way there was a chance she wouldn¡¯t notice just how she was affecting him. Or where.

    Sasha saw him wince and thought she knew why. She¡¯d seen the flush which had heightened his color, emphasizing those amazing cheekbones. The hectic glitter in his eyes hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed, either. She found herself wanting to touch him. To run her fingertips over the satin of his skin, seeking out all the dark and secret hollows.

    She thought how easy it would be to lie back beside him. To pretend that she needed to digest her meal. Or to look at the clouds as they chased one another across the sky. Then it would be only a matter of time before he leaned over to press his mouth against hers. And she wanted that. Wanted him. He was the only man she had ever wanted, in truth.

    ¡°So, are you going toe and move in with me, Sasha?¡± His voice sounded as disconnected as the distant droning of awnmower in one of the neighboring gardens.

    The eighteen-year-old Sasha would have leapt at the chance, but she was no longer eighteen. Years on she had got herself into a crazy situation-but she didn¡¯t have to make it even crazier.

    She shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not. I can¡¯t think of a worse idea, to be honest. I¡¯m still trying to get used to the fact that in under eight months¡¯ time I¡¯m going to have a tiny baby to look after. Now is certainly not the right time to start experimenting by living with someone¡±

    He turned onto his back again, the urgency to possess her disappearing with the moment. ¡°I might not ask you again.¡±

    Sashaughed. ¡°Oh, dear!¡± she teased. ¡°Then I¡¯ve missed my chance forever. Well, there you go!¡±

    Kaleb looked up at the darkening sky which domed above them. He couldn¡¯t figure her out. He had thought¡­ He frowned.

    Sasha looked down at him. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Kaleb?¡± she taunted softly. ¡°Can¡¯t believe a woman has said no to you?¡±

 37

    He was gentle with her because she was pregnant, but there was no hesitation in his movement as he pulled her down on top of him, feeling the lush resistance of her ripening flesh against the sudden hard throbbing of his.¡± Maybe I think I can change your mind,¡± came his soft groan as he tangled his fingers in her French it and brought her mouth down to his.

    He kissed her, and that was all he did. He didn¡¯t grapple with her clothing or try to explore the contours of her body. Justy there with his fingers nonchntly threaded into her hair, his lips alternatively sweet and soft and hard and hungry. It was both passive and seeking. Innocent and immensely experienced. It was a slow, drugging seduction and it was entirely new to her. And Sasha waspletely unprepared for its impact. With Kaleb everything had always been so hot and immediate. As if the world would end if they didn¡¯t join their bodies together as quickly as possible.

    Shey dazed and unfurling on top of him, feeling the honeyed pulsing of desire as it stealthily invaded her body.

    Kaleb knew that he had to stop. This was unlike anything in his experience. More beautiful than anything he¡¯d ever felt. And in a minute he¡¯d¡­.

    Sasha blinked as he tore his mouth away to somehow gather her up into his arms and gracefully maneuver them both to a standing position, and only when she felt the ground beneath her feet did he let her go.

    ¡°Sasha-¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re out of breath,¡± she gasped.

    ¡°So are you.¡± He paused, still disorientated by that kiss. ¡°And your hair is all over the ce.¡± She brushed a damp curl off her cheek, feeling the sweat as it pricked her forehead. She brushed a few strands of dry grass from her sleeve and began to walk towards the house.

    He walked by her side across the springy turf. ¡°Can Ie to the clinic with you when you go? And see the scan? I want to see the baby¡¯s heart beating.¡±

    Suddenly she felt weird, ¡°Really? You want toe?¡±

    He tensed, hoping she wasn¡¯t going to exclude him from that, ¡°I do. I really want toe¡­ If you¡¯d let me,¡±

    A smile broke out on her lips and suddenly he was smiling too, and if this had been a normal rtionship she would have flung her arms around him and he would have picked her up and twirled her round like a carousel. But it wasn¡¯t a normal rtionship. And Sasha realized that they had avoided discussing some very practical issues.

    ¡°People are going to start noticing soon,¡± she said.

    ¡°Hasn¡¯t anyone noticed already? Especially Tilly¡­ I used to think nothing could go past her.¡±

    Sasha smiled. ¡°She hasn¡¯t really figured it out, but she knows something is up with me. If she suspects pregnancy, which I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t, she hasn¡¯t said anything. What do you want me to say, if anyone asks?¡±

    Kaleb studied her. She was asking his opinion and yet he didn¡¯t count, not really. She¡¯d made love to him and was carrying his child as a consequence. Then she hadin kissing on the grass with him-but now he offered to do the decent thing and live with her she didn¡¯t want to know.

    ¡°Kaleb?¡± She butted into his thoughts. ¡°What do you want me to tell people?¡±

    He felt the anger rising up inside him, and he turned his face away, so that all she could see was a shadowed profile etched softly against the dusky evening light. ¡°That¡¯s entirely up to you.¡±

    She wished he would help her out. Did he enjoy seeing her have to ask these humiliating questions? ¡°So if I tell people that you¡¯re the¡­ father-you won¡¯t mind?¡±

    ¡°Why should I? They¡¯re going to find out soon enough,¡± he said tly.¡± Because as soon as the baby is born I shall be applying for custody.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± asked Sasha as she willed herself to stop shaking long enough for Kaleb to repeat what he just said. She took a great gulping breath of air which steadied her voice. ¡°You are going to fight me for custody of the baby once he or she is born? But you can¡¯t do that,¡±

    But she knew she was wrong. Who says he couldn¡¯t do it? He could do any damn thing he wanted. He was rich. He was powerful. He was influential. What judge was going to look at him andpare him favorably to her -a girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

    Struggling to start her own business, finish her masters and to bring a baby up at the same time.¡±

    Sasha groaned. She knew there was also a current bacsh against working mothers. The belief that women who put their careers before their babies are uncaring? This could be used against her, and although she knew that she wouldn¡¯t put anything or anyone before her child, there was still a big swing in favor of fathers at the moment. Fathers were moring to be heard-saying that they were just as capable of bringing up a child as the mother. What was she going to do?

    Kaleb was staring at her with a stubborn look on his face and suddenly Sasha felt too weak to fight or argue with him.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m ready to tell my family that I¡¯m going to be a father. I don¡¯t know if your parents know yet, but you should invite them to dinner here this weekend. We can tell them together,¡±

    Sasha resisted the strong urge to punch him in the face, ¡°You¡¯re not taking my baby away from me.¡± she said,

    He frowned, ¡°It¡¯s my baby too, Sasha. Our baby¡±

    She shoved him with both palms on his chest, but she felt so weak that she made no impact on his stamina. He didn¡¯t even move an inch. ¡°No, Kaleb. It¡¯s my baby, and I¡¯m letting you be involved. No one is going to take my baby away from me and until the babyes, stay the hell away from me!¡±

    She breezed past him and grabbed her bag before he could stop her, then she practically ran out of his house to her car, telling herself that she mustn¡¯t cry. She had to be stronger now. For herself and for the baby, but when she got home and finally shut the door behind her, she slipped onto the floor and burst into tears.

 38

    Two dayster, Sasha was sitting white-faced and trembling at her kitchen table when Tilly walked in. She¡¯d used the spare key she had so she didn¡¯t have to knock.

    ¡°Good morning¡± Tilly greeted, ¡°How was your night?¡±

    ¡°Good morning¡± Sasha replied, but Tilly could tell that her attention was barely on anything happening around her. She took one look at her pinched face and grimaced.

    ¡°Tea?¡±

    ¡°Yuck! No thank you,¡± Sasha replied.

    Tilly stared at her for a while, ¡°Can you please just tell me exactly what is wrong with you, Sasha?¡± she blurted out, ¡°And don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m tired of hearing that lie. There¡¯s something bothering you and it¡¯s not the cold. You¡¯re distant and you¡¯re clearly keeping something to yourself. Just tell me what it is for heaven¡¯s sake.¡±

    Sasha blinked, but she knew the time had finallye. She was tired of hiding things from her best friend and she didn¡¯t want Tilly to find out during dinner with their parents that weekend. So she sat up.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Tilly. I have been hiding something from you¡±

    Tilly shrugged, ¡°Well. What is it?¡±

    Sasha breathed deeply, ¡°I¡¯m pregnant¡± she said, and watched as Tilly¡¯s eyes widened in shock, then the surprised look turned into a smile.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± she asked, then jumped out of her chair when Sasha nodded, ¡°I knew it! I knew something really big was going on! Oh my god Sasha. That¡¯s really amazing news.¡±

    It was Sasha¡¯s turn to look surprised, ¡°Really? You really think so, Tilly?¡± she asked,

    Tilly nodded then moved forward to hug her tightly, ¡°Of course I do. You¡¯re going to be an amazing parent. Congrattions bestie¡±.

    Sasha stared across the table at her in dry-eyed shock. ¡°Oh, God,¡± she groaned, and leaned onto the table, resting her head wearily on her arms. ¡°The problem is that I don¡¯t feel very amazing, Tilly. What am I going to do?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t really have a lot of choices, do you?¡± asked Tilly crisply. ¡°How many weeks are you? Three? Four?¡±

    ¡°A bit more,¡± mumbled Sasha against her forearms. ¡°Eight weeks now,¡±

    ¡°Wow. Well, in that case you¡¯re obviously going to have to go ahead and have the baby-¡±

    Sasha sat up, her expression one of outrage. ¡°Of course I¡¯m going to go ahead and have the baby!¡± she stormed. ¡°Why ever would you think-?¡±

    ¡°Shh!¡± soothed Tilly. ¡°Keep your hair on! I didn¡¯t mean to offend you, or to suggest anything-it¡¯s just that a lot of women in your situation would have considered-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even say it!¡± warned Sasha , and then her eyes narrowed suspiciously. ¡°What situation?¡± she asked

    Tilly shrugged. ¡°You¡¯re not with the father, I take it?¡±

    ¡°Is it that obvious?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Tilly, I feel so stupid! How did I ever get myself into this position?¡±

    ¡°Sasha,¡± Tilly sighed. ¡°You¡¯re no more stupid than countless other women have been. These things happen.

    Have you told him? The father, I mean.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Sasha stared at the table. ¡°I¡¯ve told him.¡±

    ¡°And what does he say?¡±

    ¡°We talked¡­And then we argued. I guess we¡¯re still figuring things out,¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry about that but I guess it¡¯s good that he¡¯s getting involved,¡± Tilly said drily, and then she creased her nose up. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose there¡¯s any chance of the two of you ever-?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Sasha firmly. ¡°None whatsoever. He¡¯s made that perfectly clear.¡± She picked a rosy apple out of the fruit bowl and began to rub it absently against her sleeve, but then a wave of nausea hit her and she quickly put it back. ¡°You haven¡¯t asked me whether he¡¯s married.¡±

    ¡°Why should I ask that?¡±

    ¡°Well, it is an obvious assumption to make when a woman has a lover that no one has ever seen. Isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°But I know he¡¯s not married,¡± said Tilly slowly. ¡°Because you already told me about him. The guy who sent you those flowers that day. The one you were worried about because he has a girlfriend. He¡¯s the father, isn¡¯t he?¡± She saw Sasha¡¯s dazed expression and gave a shortugh. ¡°And before you ask, no-I¡¯m not a mind-reader. It was just pretty obvious to me when you told me how many weeks pregnant you are. When you told me you guys ended things, you seemed very sad about it too,¡±

    ¡°How are you so sure? When I haven¡¯t seen him for weeks?¡±

    ¡°You were so distracted after I saw those flowers. You used to jump six feet in the air and snatch your phone up whenever it rang. Then your face would crumple when you discovered it wasn¡¯t him. But not for long. There was always that gritty smile lying in wait.¡± Her face softened.¡± You were always determined not to look upset when the bastard didn¡¯t call you.¡±

    ¡°He is not a bastard,¡± defended Sasha .

    ¡°Maybe his mother and father were legally married,¡± conceded Tilly. ¡°But he¡¯s behaved like one towards you, hasn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Actually, no.¡±

    ¡°Sasha-now you¡¯re just being soft!¡± Tilly said.

    ¡°Stop talking, Tilly!¡± Sasha said with a worried look. ¡°There¡¯s something you need to know¡­. About the father of the baby. It¡¯s Kaleb¡­.. your brother. It¡¯s Kaleb¡¯s baby.¡±

    Tilly took a step back, ¡°What? You¡¯re kidding, right?¡±

    Sasha shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m not. Look, Tilly, I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you weeks ago. It¡¯s not something that has always been happening between us. We¡­ We kissed at his party and then things took off from there.¡±

    Tilly frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t understand this at all,¡± she said, ¡°Just how long ago has this¡­ been happening between you and my brother?¡±

    ¡°It happened at his party¡­ Nothing ever happened before then. You have to believe me, Tilly. I wanted to tell you about it but I was just too ashamed, and I didn¡¯t know what you¡¯d think of me,¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why Kaleb invited all of us¡­ Including your parents for dinner. I should have known something was up¡± Tilly said, mostly to herself, ¡°And you¡¯re only telling me now because you don¡¯t have a choice¡±

    Sasha shook her head, ¡°No, Tilly. That¡¯s not true.¡±

    ¡°Just how long did you think you could keep your rtionship with Kaleb from me?¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a rtionship¡± Sasha exined, ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m sorry¡±

    ¡°What for?¡± Tilly asked as she grabbed her bag, ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s any of my business, is it? I need to go¡­. Congrattions on the baby. I¡¯m really happy for you¡­ The both of you, I mean. I¡¯ll be calling Kaleb to congratte him too. Bye¡±

    ¡°Tilly, wait!¡± Sasha called, but Tilly wasn¡¯t listening.

 39

    Sasha got into her car and drove to Kaleb¡¯s house. She was five minuteste, but she was too worried to care. She¡¯d almost called Kaleb to tell him that she was going to be present, but it was toote to do that. Her parents had already been invited, thanks to Kaleb and the Luthors wereing too. She knew it¡¯d be rude to back out now, but she couldn¡¯t me herself because there was nothing to look forward to.

    Her dad was disappointed in her, Tilly was mad at her for keeping secrets from her and Kaleb¡­ Well, as for Kaleb, she just wanted to punch him. And if she did punch him tonight, he deserved it, she told herself. It was going to be a very unpleasant evening. She just knew it.

    When she arrived, she parked her car and started to walk towards the house. The door opened before she could even knock.

    Kaleb stood in front of her with a worried and at the same time, angry look on his face. He wore a pair of ck sweatpants and a white polo shirt. Simple outfit, but he still looked handsome¡­evening with his unshaven beard and messed up hair.

    ¡°You¡¯rete¡± he said, running his eyes all over her.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Sasha rolled her eyes at him, ¡°But I¡¯m here now. Am I not?¡± she retorted.

    ¡°You could have at least returned my call to let me know you were going to bete¡± he insisted,

    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t n on beingte and I also didn¡¯t want to hear your annoying voice. Will you get out of my way so I cane in?¡±

    Kaleb¡¯s eyes narrowed, and for a second, Sasha wondered if she¡¯d gone too far, but she brushed the thought away immediately. If she was rude to him, it was simply because he¡¯d been rude to her first. She watched as he chuckled softly, then slowly moved backwards so she¡¯de in. When she did, he didn¡¯t let her go through. Instead he shut the door, immediately trapping her in front of him with both hands on the door on both sides of her head.

    He leaned closer and Sasha shivered as she felt his breath against her neck. ¡°Our parents are in the dining room¡± he said softly, ¡°I think it will be better for us to try to be civil at least with each other so this evening cane to a quick end. We don¡¯t have to fight tonight. All they need to know is that we¡¯re having a child together and that we will figure things outter. Do you understand me?¡±

    How dare he talk to her like that? She wasn¡¯t his little mouse and he sure as hell couldn¡¯t order her around. She risked looking into eyes, and to her horror, she realized that she liked it. There was something about the way he had her trapped there that reminded her of that night together. His body against hers, his breath against her neck while he thrust hard inside of her. His face was dangerously close to hers and all she had to do was lean over a little and they would be -no¡­ She couldn¡¯t think like that right now. Not with their families present¡­..

    ¡°And I guess trapping and threatening me is the right way to figure things out, huh?¡± she asked huskily,

    His gaze was on her lips, and for a second she really thought he¡¯d kiss her, but then he moved away. ¡°Fair enough,¡± he said, totally oblivious to the fact that he¡¯d messed up her nerves. ¡°Let¡¯s go¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Kaleb¡¯s parents, Paul and Jenna Luthor, were a nice couple, and it was easy to get carried away by their funny stories andments.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time the Luthors and the Sullivans had gotten together like this, so it wasn¡¯t difficult to get along with each other. But still, this was a special asion. Sasha¡¯s parents already knew why they had been invited and Sasha noticed that they seemed a bit morefortable now that they knew who the father of her baby was. They had always loved Kaleb¡­ Her father especially.

    Tilly on the other hand seemed to have calmed down and wasing to terms with this. She¡¯d even greeted Sasha with a warm hug when she arrived and when Sasha stared at her in surprise, all she¡¯d seen on Tilly¡¯s face was love, support and understanding. They both smiled at each other and Sasha knew that her friend once again had her back. She fought the urge to let a tear fall. Not tonight¡­ She told herself.

    The evening went smoothly. Dinner was delicious and the atmosphere was more bearable, until Paul finally asked his son his reason for the dinner invitation.

    Kaleb cleared his throat, and Sasha felt her heart beat faster, ¡°I want to appreciate everyone foring over tonight,¡± he began, ¡°Ermmm¡­ The invitation is actually from Sasha and I. We wanted you to know that we¡¯re¡­ We¡¯re having a baby¡­ Together. We will be expecting our baby in about eight months and we¡¯re very happy about it.¡±

    Paul Luthor looked shocked while his wife, Jenna looked more excited than shocked. Sasha¡¯s parents looked relieved while Tilly sat with a slightly amused look on her face.

    Jenna Luthor was the first to recover. ¡°Did you hear that, honey?¡± she said to her husband, while smiling delightedly at Sasha, ¡°We are going to be grandparents¡±

    ¡°Yeah I heard,¡± Paul said, ¡°Congrattions¡­ That¡¯s very shocking and amazing news, son¡± he turned to Sasha¡¯s parent¡¯s, ¡°I¡¯m guessing by your reaction that you already know about this?¡±

    Sasha¡¯s father nodded, ¡°Yes, we are, but we were just as surprised as you are now when we found out,¡±

    ¡°But we¡¯re very excited too,¡± added Penelope

    ¡°And so are we,¡± said Jenna, lifting her ss for a toast, ¡°To bing grandparents¡­. And inws¡±

    Sasha, Kaleb and Tilly watched helplessly as their parents toasted and drank happily. Tilly¡¯s face was almost red withughter now, and Sasha could barely think straight.

    ¡°You¡¯re not bing¡­ Inws, ¡± Sasha blurted out and everyone turned to look at her. ¡°We¡¯re not getting married. We are just having a baby together. So yes, you guys are bing grandparents, but not Inws¡±

    ¡°And why is this so?¡± asked Paul, addressing his son, ¡°You know how important this is, Kaleb, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do, dad¡± Kaleb replied angrily, ¡°But yes, we are not getting married,¡±

 40

    ¡°What is stopping you then?¡± His father pressed,

    ¡°Sir¡± Sasha replied instead, ¡°We just don¡¯t think it¡¯d be a good idea to get married just because of the baby¡±

    ¡°Sweetheart, a baby is a very good and valid reason to get married,¡± Jenna said softly and Sasha saw agreement on her parents¡¯ faces. They also wanted the same thing.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother talking to her about it¡± Kaleb cut in, ¡°As far as she¡¯s concerned, she thinks she can do everything by herself and she doesn¡¯t need me. Marriage to me is probably the worst thing she could ever imagine herself doing.¡±

    Sasha red at him, ¡°You¡¯re the one who said you didn¡¯t want to get married first,¡± she used

    ¡°And you agreed very strongly¡± he shot back.

    ¡°What did you expect me to do?¡±

    ¡°Easy guys,¡± Sylvester said, ¡°Surely you don¡¯t have to yell at each other. Clearly you¡¯re both still working things out. As time goes, you both will figure yourselves out, isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    Their parents nodded in agreement, but Sasha was angry and tired of the whole baby business. Lately she felt like all she¡¯d been doing was get into fights with everyone around her and she was exhausted.¡± We don¡¯t have to figure anything out?¡± she replied, ¡°Kaleb already has everything figured out, don¡¯t you, Kaleb? He intends to fight for custody and take my child away from me as soon as it¡¯s born¡±

    Everyone turned to Kaleb, waiting for him to deny her usation. When he didn¡¯t, Jenna sighed, ¡°Oh Kaleb¡± she said, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have said that,¡±

    ¡°Yeah. How could you say something like that to her?¡± Tilly asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°She was cutting me off¡± Kaleb blurted out, then he turned to face Sasha, ¡°Let¡¯s be honest, you have referred to the baby many times as yours and from the way you have been acting, you want to call all the shots, but I will not let that happen. I¡¯m going to be a part of my childs life no matter what it takes¡­. Even if it means fighting you for custody ¡±

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± said Tilly.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Sasha was silent. She was staring angrily at Kaleb and if eyes could kill, she was sure he¡¯d be on the floor right now. He was staring right back at her with the same intensity and Sasha wondered if they would ever get along because their situation seemed hopeless.

    ¡°No one is fighting anyone for custody¡± said Paul, ¡°At least we haven¡¯t gotten to that. All I can see right now is that the both of you really need to put your differences aside and talk about a situation that wouldn¡¯t affect your child negatively. That¡¯s what¡¯s important right now,¡±

    Sasha¡¯s parents agreed on this, but Sasha highly doubted if she and Kaleb coulde to agree on anything. Plus he confused the hell out of her. She was mad at him and yet her body craved for him. She loved him and yet she hated him. And as she sat beside him, taking care not to let any part of her body touch her, she wished that he¡¯d reach out and hold her hand¡­. To assure her that everything would be fine.

    Soon their parents announced that they¡¯d be leaving. Tilly cleverly insisted that she had to go too, then suggested that Sasha stay behind to help Kaleb clean up, to which their parents readily agreed.

    Sasha rolled her eyes at Tilly and hugged her parents and the Luthors. After everyone left. She and Kaleb were left alone in silence. When she moved to return to the kitchen, Kaleb stopped her.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t worry about it. My staff can take care of that. We need to talk. Over here,¡± Without waiting for her to reply, he moved towards the sitting room and Sasha followed. He gestured for her to sit down, rmed by her pallor but even more rmed by the way she sank down into the chair without protest.

    Sasha was d to get the weight off her feet. She released her bag onto herp, her palms all mmy and sticky and cold with sweat.

    Kaleb bent over her, his face tense.

    ¡°Sasha-listen-¡± he began,

    ¡°No!¡± She thought of the baby and that gave her strength. ¡°You listen! I¡¯ve spoken to awyer-¡±

    ¡°Sasha-¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± she told him tiredly. ¡°And listen. He told me that you do not have any rights to this baby at all- not unless we are married. And as we are not married and are never likely to be-then that¡¯s the end of that!¡± She stared at him defiantly.  ¡°Okay?¡±

    He sat on the edge of another couch and watched her, recognising that she was dangerously close to tears.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he agreed softly.

    Sasha had wanted a fight. She¡¯d wanted to storm and rage at him and¡­ She sucked in some of the air, which seemed so still and so heavy. ¡°He also told me that you are able to acquire parental rights by mutual agreement. So you need my co-operation if you want to see this baby, Kaleb.¡±

    ¡°And if you decide not to cooperate?¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to take me to court!¡± She paused for effect. ¡°And I can easily deny everything. I can tell them that someone else is the father.¡±

    ¡°You would do that?¡± he breathed.

    The weight of her head seemed unbearable. ¡°I would do anything-anything-to stop you taking my child away from me, Kaleb. You¡¯d better believe that!¡±

    He was the kind of man who needed to have every avable fact at his fingertips. And he needed to know how thoroughly she had investigated the whole subject.

    ¡°What if I prove that the baby is mine?¡±.

    ¡°And how would you do that?¡± she challenged. ¡°Certainly not by circumstantial evidence! We only had sex once, and no one has ever seen us together. It would be your word against mine! I can tell everyone else that I lied about who the father is¡± She allowed an ironic smile to curve her lips. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t imagine that it would be difficult to convince the court that you were just one in a long line of lovers!¡±

    His mouth tightened as he found that he couldn¡¯t bear to think of her in bed with another man. Then told himself how stupid that was.

 41

    ¡°Of course you could always do a DNA test,¡± she continued. ¡°But the baby will have to be born first-¡±

    ¡°Sasha, stop this right now,¡± he pleaded, thinking that her skin looked ashen.

    ¡°Why should I? You started it.¡± She locked her fingers together, as if she were about to start uttering some kind of fervent prayer. ¡°And when the baby is born no one will ever want to take it away-because they¡¯ll be able to see how much¡­¡± she gulped. ¡°How much we love one another!¡±

    ¡°Sasha-I don¡¯t want to take your baby away from you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you do!¡±

    Had he slipped a tight, iron band around her belly and tightened it without her seeing? Sasha stared at him in horror, their argumentpletely wiped away by this new and terrifying intervention.

    ¡°Kaleb?¡± He saw her wince and recognised the pain and fear, sensing that something was happening now beyond both their control.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± His voice sounded leaden. He seemed to move in slow motion towards her. He saw her stiffen, and then slump, falling forwards and knocking the daisies to the floor, their wilted scarlet petals scattering like bullets.

    He heard a cry, and realized that it was his cry, not hers, because the scarlet petals had not been split from the broken flowers, but from the crumpled body of the woman who slid helplessly into his arms.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Everything was white. Clean and pure and white. Even the light that dazzled and hurt her eyes so much that she shut them quickly, only seconds after opening them.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± came a low, anguished voice that she knew she ought to recognise. But recognition was difficult because it didn¡¯t sound like the voice she knew at all.

    ¡°Shh. She¡¯s sleeping,¡± said a voice she definitely didn¡¯t recognise. ¡°Let her rest. She needs to rest.¡±

    Sasha heard something else. The familiar/unfamiliar voice murmuring something with an odd, broken kind of urgency. And then peace once more.

    Next time she opened her eyes the light had changed. This time it was softer, more golden. Part of her wondered whether she had died and gone to heaven.

    ¡°Hello, Sasha.¡± This time she recognised it properly. Her lips were bone-dry, so she licked them. She blinked as she was caught in the spotlight of his eyes, and then recoiled at what she read in them.

    Pain. Harsh and unremitting pain which threw the world into sharp focus. She remembered now. Her own pain. And blood. And Kaleb looking drained, speaking urgently down the telephone. An ambnce, its siren screaming like a demented woman. The unresisting cold steel of a hospital trolley. A man in a mask. A light shining in her eyes. Pain and wetness.

    ¡°Oh, my God!¡± She sat bolt upright and then slumped back against the pillows. ¡°No!¡±

    He caught her and cradled her against him awkwardly, as if he was frightened to touch her. ¡°Wait a minute,¡± he whispered against her hair. ¡°I¡¯ll fetch the nurse.¡±

    Nurse? Through a sickening daze a bell sounded. Sasha became aware of a dark-haired woman with dimpled cheeks who came to the other side of the bed and tried to shoo Kaleb away, but he wasn¡¯t going anywhere.

    The nurse wore a badge which said,  ¡®Nurse Helen Forbes.¡¯ She looked at Sasha , her dimples disappearing as she wagged her finger like a teacher. ¡°You¡¯re a very lucky young woman, you know, Sasha.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Sasha turned her head to one side and felt a tear slide slowly down her cheek. Lucky? Like hell! What was lucky about being alive if you¡¯d lost the only thing which mattered? She shook her head.

    ¡°Oh, yes, you are.¡± The nurse shook her head in an exaggerated manner-as if reflecting on the foolishness of pregnant young women in general and Sasha in particr. ¡°Running around the ce like that,¡± she tutted. ¡°Working yourself up into a state. Is it any wonder you had a bleed?¡±

    Through her befuddled state something clicked in Sasha¡¯s mind. The nurse was being bossy. And the nurse wouldn¡¯t dare to be bossy if¡­

    ¡°The baby?¡± she croaked.

    The nurse gave a grudging nod. ¡°Is fine. Absolutely fine. As I said, you¡¯re a very lucky young woman.¡±

    Not quite believing her ears, Sasha turned to Kaleb, a question in her eyes.

    He seemed to be having some difficulty speaking, but finally he nodded. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Sasha. It¡¯s okay.¡± And then he smiled-weak and watery, but definitely a smile. ¡°You haven¡¯t lost the baby.¡±

    Sasha tried to sit up again, but Kaleb¡¯s hand seemed to be very firmly restraining her whilst at the same time managing to give her shoulder de the most wonderful massage. If she hadn¡¯t felt so drowsy she might have swatted his hand away, but as it was she was enjoying it far too much to want him to stop.

    ¡°How long have I been here?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Only a few hours. The doctor examined you and they scanned you. After that you just wanted to go to sleep- don¡¯t you remember?¡±.

    She shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t really remember anything. Maybe the sleep blocked it all out.¡± Perhaps that was nature¡¯s way of protecting you.

    ¡°I was there when you had your scan.¡± His voice held an unmistakable note of pride. ¡°The heart was beating like crazy and the baby is fine!¡± Heughed. ¡°Though I guess you could say I¡¯m a little biased!¡±

    She put her hand tentatively over her belly. It still felt normal. Another tear slid down her cheek.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, sugar,¡± he said softly. ¡°The baby¡¯s safe and you¡¯re safe. Everything¡¯s going to be all right.¡±

    The doctor was even more forthright than the nurse had been. ¡°You do understand everything I¡¯ve exined to you, don¡¯t you, Sasha?¡± he asked her.

    Sasha nodded and looked to Kaleb for support, but he looked just as grim as the doctor. Actually, he looked even grimmer.

    The doctor¡¯s face grew serious. ¡°There is no need for any other treatment other than rest. But you must rest. Do you understand that, Sasha?¡±

    He turned to Kaleb. ¡°And you must keep an eye on her. There mustn¡¯t be a repeat of what happened today. She should not be stressed at all,¡± he finished severely.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Kaleb replied.

    ¡°And what about my business?¡± Sasha put in hastily.

    The doctor glowered. ¡°Just how important is your baby to you, Sasha?¡±

    ¡°More important than anything in the world,¡± she told him truthfully.

 42

    The doctor hid a smile. ¡°Good. That¡¯s all I needed to know.¡±

    Kaleb waited until she was safely strapped into his car before he reinforced what they had both heard. ¡°You heard what the doctor said, Sasha. I hope you¡¯re going to take notice.¡±

    Stay calm, she told herself, stay calm. She cleared her throat. ¡°No matter what the doctor said-I still have a business to run. I can¡¯t just pretend it doesn¡¯t exist.¡±

    He didn¡¯t answer immediately as he maneuvered the car out of the hospital gates and drove as carefully as if he had a consignment of raw eggs on the seat beside him.¡± You¡¯re not to worry about the business. That¡¯s all going to be taken care of.¡±

    Not to worry, indeed! ¡°But how, Kaleb?¡± she wailed. ¡°We can¡¯t cope with just one staff and I haven¡¯t got enough money to pay someone else if I can¡¯t work myself.¡±

    He stole a nce at her. ¡°Let me concentrate on the road,¡± he said abruptly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to have a row in the car.¡±

    ¡°Who said anything about a row?¡± she asked.

    ¡°That mutinous look on your face did. We¡¯ll talk about it when we get home!¡±

    She sat back in her seat and sighed, knowing that it was pointless to argue.

    But she protested when he drew up outside his house. ¡°Would you mind telling me why you¡¯ve brought me here? I want to go home! And I mean my home¡­ Not yours. u can send my car overter. I want to go home, Kaleb,¡±

    ¡°I know you do, but your house isn¡¯t very close. We need to talk without interruption.¡±

    It seemed easier to agree than to protest-and besides, the sensible side of her knew he was right. So she let him lead her into the house. In fact, he actually tried to scoop her up into his arms to carry her, but she drew the line at having that happen. Last time he had picked her up it had been to take her up to bed, and look where that had led.

    ¡°Don¡¯t carry me, Kaleb,¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°Because I want to walk. I need to feel I can.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to be cosseted?¡± he questioned softly.

    ¡°No, I prefer to be independent.¡± She smiled serenely. ¡°It gives a woman security-surely you know that?¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯m just beginning to find out,¡± he answered wryly.

    But she allowed him to settle her on a beautiful chaise longue which stood in the bay window of the sitting room, overlooking the garden. And shey watching the trees blowing gently in the breeze while Kaleb went away to make tea and sandwiches.

    He sat down on a chair opposite her and waited until she had worked her way through two rounds of egg and cress, pleased to see her devouring the sandwiches with that desperate kind of hunger-and the color slowly returning to her cheeks. His own appetite seemed to have disappeared, along with his unshakeable belief that whatever he wanted in life he would somehow be able to achieve.

    Because he had never felt quite so powerless as he had done while he¡¯d endured the long wait through the doctor¡¯s examination. He had imagined losing the baby. Losing Sasha. The world had tipped and shifted on its axis. It had been a sobering experience.

    ¡°Now,¡± he said. ¡°I have a proposition to put to you.¡±

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°Will you promise to hear me through without interruption?¡±

    Sasha pulled a face. ¡°That¡¯s a very mean request!¡±

    ¡°A very necessary one in your case. Will you?¡±

    ¡°How can I possibly answer that until I know what you¡¯re going to ask me?¡±

    ¡°Please, Sasha,¡±

    She smiled. ¡°I guess if you¡¯re pleading with me it must be important.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes.¡± He smiled back at her, unable to resist her at that moment and thinking what a mass of contradictions she could be. ¡°I know you said you didn¡¯t want toe and live here-¡±  He held his hand up because he could see that she was itching to butt in with an objection. ¡°Remember what you promised!¡± he warned.

    ¡°But nothing has changed. I still don¡¯t want to live here.¡±

    ¡°Of course things have changed! You¡¯re not in a position to allow yourself the luxury of pleasing yourself. Not any more. You need to rest, Sasha-you heard what the doctor said. You can¡¯t possibly go back to work right now. What if you wake in the night with pain, or-God forbid-another bleed?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± She shuddered.

    ¡°Well, the doctor said it was unlikely-as long as you look after yourself-but it¡¯s still a possibility. You need another person around-night and day. If you¡¯re here I can look after you-and I should be looking after you.

    Hell, I want to look after you!¡±

    Sasha looked at him steadily.¡± Finished?¡± she asked,

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Can I speak now?¡±

    He gave a longing kind of sigh. How could she be expecting his baby-slumped and recovering on the sofa-and yet still have the sexy air of the minx about her? ¡°Yes, Sasha,¡± he said gravely. ¡°You can speak now.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s going to run your business for you while you¡¯re looking after me?¡±

    ¡°My general manager, of course.¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± She leapt on his answer with triumph. ¡°So who¡¯s going to run mine? And you do know that I still have school to do with.¡±

    Fortunately, he had anticipated just this question and prepared for it. ¡°Like I said-there¡¯s absolutely no cause for concern. I¡¯m going to send over one of my cooks, who can help your assistant with the truck. She¡¯s also prepared to wait tables or serve customers if she needs to, but there are other staff I can supply, too.¡± He tried to tempt her a little bit more. ¡°To be honest, Sasha, I employ a lot of people, and they are at your disposal for as long as you need them. You¡¯ll probably find that you¡¯ll be better staffed than you ever were before! As for school, I promise not to bother you when you need to study, and you¡¯ll be graduating in a few months so we can handle that,¡±

    Her face was stony. ¡°But you still haven¡¯t answered my question, Kaleb. Who is actually going to run the business?¡±

 43

    He frowned as he tried to remember the name of the blonde he¡¯d seen the first time he came to her truck. Was it Mary, or something? ¡°Martha,¡± he remembered. ¡°Or Miranda¡­.¡±

    ¡°Wrong¡± she corrected. ¡°It¡¯s Miriam¡±

    He looked at her. ¡°Fine. It¡¯s Miriam. So?¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯d like to know who¡¯s going to do all the ordering? Sort out things? Be there to greet the customers and take their orders. Pay the bills. Keep track of everything. All the unseen things which make the difference between a business runningpetently and running brilliantly. Who¡¯s going to do all that?¡±

    Kaleb could see where this was leading, and he could also see that there was only one person who could possibly do what she asked. He sighed. ¡°I am, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! So it obviously makes far more sense for you toe and live with me!¡±

    He looked at her with interest. ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°How, indeed!¡± she scoffed. ¡°You bring a suitcase and move in!¡± The interest intensified.

    ¡°Maybe I should have said where?¡±

    She looked at him steadily. ¡°Don¡¯t get any mistaken ideas. I may not have fifty bedrooms, like you-but I do have two. That¡¯s one for me and one for you. Simple¡±

    ¡°Simple,¡± he echoed, realizing this meant he would be living in the house where he had made love to her. He was about to be reminded of that afternoon every night and every morning. He sighed, and couldn¡¯t help thinking that his new amodation was going to seem like a sophisticated form of prison. ¡°Fine, if that¡¯s what you want¡± he said finally, and watched as Sasha smiled triumphantly.

    ¡°So I guess you¡¯ll be talking to your girlfriend about it,¡± Sasha added awkwardly. She¡¯d been trying to bring up the topic about ire but couldn¡¯t figure out how to. He never spoke about her and Sasha wondered if she knew about the baby? Were they still in their rtionship? Or had she finally be the slut who¡¯d ruined a rtionship by getting pregnant for another woman¡¯s man?

    He stared at her for a few seconds, then went, ¡°Oh¡­ Yeah¡­ ire. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle it,¡±

    Sasha couldn¡¯t ignore the jealousy she felt and she turned away. Judging by his response, they were still together and although she didn¡¯t have to worry that she¡¯d ruined his rtionship, it still hurt deeply to be reminded that she just happened to be the vessel carrying his baby. Nothing happening was special, and she had to stop herself from getting carried away. It was one of the reasons why she¡¯d refused toe live with him. She couldn¡¯t imagine herself living in his house and growing bigger with his baby, while having to watch him with his girlfriend. At least this way, if he wanted to be with her, she wouldn¡¯t have to see them and maybe it¡¯d hurt less.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Kaleb¡¯s voice interrupted her thoughts.

    She nodded, ¡°Yes. Yes I¡¯m fine¡± she replied.

    But she wasn¡¯t.

    ¡ª¡ª¨C

    Miriam giggled like a schoolgirl when Sasha broke the news to her and Tilly.

    ¡°Kaleb Luthor-Kaleb Luthor-is going to be working with us?¡± spluttered Miriam. ¡°Will he wear a pinny?¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Tilly told her and Sasha tried to stop herself from bursting intoughter. It was surely weird for Tilly to listen to someone talk about her brother that way, but Miriam kept talking as if she hadn¡¯t spoken.

    ¡°Well, he could, as long as he wore it with nothing underneath,¡± she said  innocently. ¡°He¡¯s got the kind of body that women fantasize about!¡±

    ¡°Miriam!¡± cried Tilly and Sasha in unison.

    ¡°Well, he has,¡± said Miriam stubbornly.

    ¡°Oh, go and make us all a cup of tea!¡±ughed Sasha.

    ¡°And take a cold shower while you¡¯re at it!¡± Tilly added, then she stood up, ¡°You know what? I¡¯ll make the tea. You guys can say anything you want about my brother when I¡¯m not in the room. You have five or ten minutes and when Ie back into this room, the topic will be changed,¡±

    Sasha chuckled while Miriam smirked. ¡°So, let me get this straight,¡± said Miriam, once Tilly had disappeared in the direction of the kitchen. ¡°Kaleb Luthor will do everything that you usually do, and he will also provide any extra staff we need?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. He wants to keep a close watch on me.¡±

    ¡°How close?¡±

    ¡°Ever heard of ms?¡±

    Miriamughed and looked around mischievously. ¡°Oh, I see. So that means he¡¯s going to be sleeping here as well, does it?¡±

    Sasha blushed.¡± There¡¯s no way around that. He thinks I shouldn¡¯t be left on my own, and even the doctor agrees about that. So you can stop looking at me like that, because it¡¯s not how you think!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really! I shall have my room, and Kaleb will be staying in the spare room.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t that fuel his fantasies-having you so close?¡±

    Sasha shot her an incredulous look. ¡°You¡¯re kidding! I don¡¯t think Kaleb will be having any sexual fantasies about a woman who is beginning to resemble a mountain ofrd!¡±

    ¡°What was that?¡± came an interested male voice as Kaleb himself walked into the room.

    Sasha blushed again. ¡°Oh, nothing.¡± she replied,

    ¡°Just discussing my sexual fantasies, were you?¡± he enquired idly.

    ¡°If you knew, then why did you ask?¡±

    ¡°Rx. I just enjoy seeing you blush, Sasha,¡±

    ¡°Well, make the most of it! Hopefully I¡¯ll be immune to your off-beat sense of humor,¡¯l¡± she said sweetly.

    ¡°You never did before,¡± he smiled.

    ¡°Ah, but I was younger then!¡±

    Miriam stood up. ¡°Suddenly I feel a little superfluous. I think I¡¯ll go and see what¡¯s happened to that tea.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± protested Sasha.

    Miriam smiled. ¡°Oh, yes, I do. You know what they say. Two¡¯spany and three in this case is most definitely a crowd!¡±

    Miriam closed the door behind her and they looked at one another across the room. ¡°We¡¯re going to have to avoid doing that,¡± said Sasha.

    ¡°What? Talking about my sexual fantasies? I agree. Because life here will seem very tame byparison if that¡¯s what counts as normal conversation over here!¡±

    She looked into his eyes and the mischief and humor in them made a pretty potentbination. She quickly began to straighten a stack of linen napkins.

    ¡°You know very well I didn¡¯t mean that. I was talking about excluding Miriam. And we mustn¡¯t.¡±

 44

    She wriggled her shoulders, as if trying to ease the tension out of them, and hair shimmered. Worse than that-it drew his attention to the heavy fullness of her breasts. He felt the hot me of desire, and dampened it down to a dull smolder.

    ¡°You started it by talking about me while I was out of the room!¡±

    ¡°Eavesdroppers never hear any good about themselves,¡± she said serenely. ¡°Anyway, we were just discussing where you¡¯re going to sleep.¡±  She smiled, and looked at the appropriately modest suitcase he had carried in with him. ¡°Like me to show you your room?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Feeling a little like a man going off to his own execution, he followed-noticing now how the pregnancy had added a little extra flesh to her bottom. But the added curves suited her, he decided. Maybe too much. He hadn¡¯t been in her ce since the day they¡¯d made love, and he felt the blood heating his face as they reached her bedroom door.

    The image of that evening was burned indelibly into his memory, and it came on him when he least expected it or wanted it. Like when he was sitting round a table in the middle of some stuffy meeting and he would get a shback of those smooth, beautiful limbs entwined around him, or her soft hair spread all over the pillow.

    Out of anger, he¡¯d had convinced himself that not only was she bad for him-they were bad for each other. He had regretted that night just as much as he¡¯d reveled in its sweet, erotic memory. He had thought that not seeing her would make that memory recede and that distance would enable him to put her out of his mind-the way he had managed to do the past few weeks. But nothing seemed that simple any more. Nothing.

    Sasha saw him tense and guessed what he might be thinking-maybe because she was thinking pretty much the same thing herself. ¡°This is where it all started,¡± she observed softly as they drew up outside the spare room.

    But he shook his head. ¡°Oh, it started long before this, Sasha. It started when I came back home and saw you walk out of that pool, dripping wet. Looking so beautiful and sexy.¡±

    She forced herself not to be seduced by the memory. Or his words. She led him quickly past the room which was to be his, and threw open the door of her own bedroom, and Kaleb opened his eyes in surprise-as much at the room itself as the fact that she had allowed him ess to it.

    It was painted a soft buttermilk, with white muslin curtains billowing like clouds at the window and a snowy drift of a duvet lying like a great heap of snow on the bed. On the wall she had pinned different straw hats-some with flowers, some with ribbons, some battered, one scarcely worn.

    ¡°I buy a new hat every summer,¡± she exined, when she saw him looking at them.

    ¡°Which one did you buy this year?¡±

    She pointed to the newest-looking one, which was decked with shiny red cherries and a scarlet ribbon. ¡°That one.¡±

    ¡°Put it on now,¡± he coaxed softly.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°As the acting manager of your establishment, Imand you to put it on!¡± he said sternly.

    Funny how he could make putting a hat on seem like a highly erotic invitation. ¡°No, I won¡¯t! Finish looking at the rest of my room instead! I don¡¯t think you registered anything thest time you were in here,¡±

    He grinned at her, catching her joke. Aching, heplied. His eyes took in everything. From her pretty couch to the dressing table-with a small stool which stood in front of it. Overall the effect was simple, clean and stylish. She looked at him, searching his face for a reaction.

    ¡°So what do you think?¡±

    ¡°I like it. It¡¯s a very attractive room. Feminine without being in the least bit frilly.¡±

    ¡°Is it what you were expecting?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I was expecting. I wasn¡¯t expecting to have a baby with you¡­ Or anyone for that matter¡­ not at this point in my life,¡±  he smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve learnt to expect the unexpected from you, Sasha-you¡¯re not an easy woman to stereotype.¡±

    She shrugged as she moved towards him. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this either, but it has happened and I¡¯m going to deal with it. I like the person I am today, so I can¡¯t regret it. Any of it.¡±

    He reached out and captured her face, cupping it gently in the palm of his hand. ¡°I like the person you are today, too.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a good start.¡± She replied.

    He rubbed his thumb thoughtfully over the base of her chin. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡±  he said quietly. ¡°About the way I reacted when you told me about the baby. You are even more trapped by the situation than I am. It isn¡¯t your fault that you got pregnant. Anyway, there¡¯s no point in regrets. That¡¯s history-not reality. Our reality is here, and now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know.¡± Her words filled a silence made more intense by the realization that he was still within touching distance. The desire to kiss her was stronger than anything he had ever felt in his life, but now was not the right time to give in to temptation. Kisses led to inevitable conclusions. She was still pale, and fragile-no matter how much she protested to the contrary.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you lie down and rest,¡± he suggested easily, ¡°while I go and see what needs doing downstairs? Who knows what horrible thing Tilly must have done by now,¡±

    Sasha chuckled, ¡°Oh, Give her a break,¡± she said.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I try¡± Kaleb replied as he opened the door, ¡°I try¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    For the first three weeks after Kaleb moved in, he and Sasha walked on eggshells-behaving as politely as two people who had just met instead of two people who were soon to be parents. Somehow their lives managed to be both intimate and separate at the same time.

    Kaleb even went over to his house every morning to shower and shave. He told Sasha that bathrooms were especially private ces and that he wouldn¡¯t invade her space. Sasha thought he meant that her bathroom was too small-which it was-and tried not to feel offended- but she did.

 45

    The same way she felt when they were sitting watching TV in the evenings, and Kaleb would leap to his feet and say that he was going to do some work in his room. But he¡¯d say it in such a growling kind of way that she found herself wondering if she had offended him.

    Still, she wasn¡¯t going to find out by attempting to read his mind, and after a week she decided that they needed to talk. She waited until Tilly, who hade to visit, had gone home after one particrly busy afternoon, and found Kaleb sitting in the living room, doing some paperwork of his own. His eyes looked sleep-depleted and he badly needed a shave-so howe he still looked like the most desirable man she had ever seen in her life?

    He looked up as she walked in, and frowned. ¡°Everything okay?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    He was on his feet in an instant, his face a fretwork of frowns. ¡°Is it the baby?¡±

    ¡°No, it is not the baby!¡± said Sasha crossly. ¡°Every time I feel tired or have a negative thought it doesn¡¯t mean that I¡¯m going to lose the baby!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so bloody flippant, Sasha.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be flippant if I like!¡± she retorted, knowing her voice sounded wild, but ming it on the hormones which were raging remorselessly around her blood-stream. ¡°I¡¯m the one who is actually carrying this child.

    Remember? I¡¯m the one stuck with this bizarre situation of having you living here with me like some¡­ some¡­¡±

    ¡°Mmm?¡± He raised his eyebrows, instantly on the alert. ¡°Some what?¡±

    ¡°Some¡­ stranger!¡± she blustered.

    He smiled. ¡°Very mild, Sasha. I was expecting much worse than that!¡±

    ¡°Now who¡¯s being flippant?¡± The icy stare had thawed a little.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± he suggested softly. Now why did Kaleb suddenly sound like the host? Sasha pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down. ¡°Tell me what you want, sugar,¡± he said gently.

    She wondered how much she dared say, and then realized that she had nothing to lose by being honest. ¡°I can¡¯t see that you living here is going to work if you¡¯re just going to cook for me and bring me cups of tea all day and then hide away in another room. Like some old-fashioned retainer! Or a paying guest who isn¡¯t paying!¡±

    ¡°You mean you want rent from me?¡± he asked, dead-pan.

    ¡°No!¡±

    Kalebughed. ¡°Okay. That¡¯s what you don¡¯t want. Now tell me what would please you.¡±

    Sasha swallowed as she studied her hands, which were neatly folded on herp-it seemed easier that way than having to meet his eyes. He could please her just by existing. But there was being honest and being foolish, and you didn¡¯t tell a man a thing like that-especially when he hadn¡¯t shown the slightest tendency toe near her-let alone make love to her.

    She sighed. ¡°If you¡¯re here in body, but not in spirit, then I¡¯m getting all the disadvantages of having someone share my house-with none of the advantages.¡±

    ¡°Such as?¡±

    Sasha shrugged. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know! Thete-night chats over a cup of cocoa-¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re not allowedte nights-remember what the doctor said?¡±

    She pulled a face at him. ¡°Okay. The soul-searching, then.¡±

    This drew a smile. ¡°You want to search my soul, do you, Sasha?¡± he mocked.

    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± she murmured. ¡°If you¡¯ve got one! You¡¯re the father of my baby, Kaleb-and I don¡¯t want you to be a stranger to me! Or to the baby. I want to be able to answer questions about you, when he or she is older.¡±

    The smile disappeared. ¡°Questions in my absence, you mean? Isn¡¯t that rather assuming that I¡¯m not going to be around to answer them myself?¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s the whole point! I don¡¯t know! We haven¡¯t discussed it, have we? We haven¡¯t discussed anything.

    How much of a hands-on father are you intending to be?¡± She stared at him intently. ¡°You can¡¯t just move in and pretend that nothing is happening. Something very big is happening, and we need to talk about how we¡¯re going to deal with it.¡±

    He was silent for a moment. ¡°Don¡¯t you think we should take things slowly?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s rich-in view of how we got ourselves into this situation in the first ce! We didn¡¯t think about taking things slowly then! And there¡¯s a difference between taking things slowly and never getting off the starting block!¡±

    Kaleb sat back in the chair,  ¡°We can¡¯t possibly predict how we¡¯re going to react to this baby when it feels like we¡¯re making everything up as we go along. Doesn¡¯t it?¡± he probed.

    ¡°I guess it does.¡± She gave him a look which she knew was helpless, but she was past caring whether or not she appeared vulnerable. Right then she felt vulnerable. But she was pregnant-so she was allowed to! ¡°Maybe it feels like this for all parents-to-be.¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡± He stared down at the yellow roses which stood in a crystal vase on the desk. Sasha must have put them there this morning. ¡°What we can do is to make the most of the present and see where we go from there. The rtionship we forge together during these next few months is going to be the foundation for the future.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Some foundation,¡± she murmured, ¡°when you¡¯ve been actively avoiding me.¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°I haven¡¯t been avoiding you, sugar. I told you. I was giving you space. Trying not to upset your life even further-¡±

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± She leaned across the desk. ¡°About the only thing which could upset my life further at the moment would be to discover that I¡¯m to give birth on national television!¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± he said gravely. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to speak to you about that!¡¯ Their eyes met across the desk and the sparks of humor which flew between them were unbearably erotic, Sasha thought, smoothing her cotton dress down over her stomach, as if to remind herself of the consequences of erotic thought.

    ¡°Tell me what you want to know,¡± he said.

    ¡°About you, mainly,¡± she said simply.

    Kaleb nodded, almost to himself. He¡¯d wondered when this might being. He met her gaze with a mocking smile. ¡°I gather you don¡¯t want to hear about the highs and lows of my life¡± he said.

    He saw her frown, then before she could respond, he added, ¡°You want to hear about the other women?¡±

 46

    Sasha drew in a sharp breath. That was what she had been hinting at, yes. She hadn¡¯t expected him to be quite so blunt about it. He didn¡¯t wait for an answer.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to start looking coy all of a sudden. That, presumably, is what you¡¯re angling to hear about? My past¡­ Or current rtionships?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I told you I wasn¡¯t interested,¡± she told him quietly. ¡°Yet I¡¯m not really certain that I want to hear about them.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should start the ball rolling by telling me about yours,¡± he challenged softly.

    ¡°Oh, just¡­ the usual.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty sweeping definition.¡± He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Evere close to marrying?¡±

    ¡°Nope. Have you?¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Never. Ever been in love?¡±

    Well, she certainly wasn¡¯t going to admit to loving¡­ she deliberately changed the tense¡­ to having loved him. Honesty should not equal humiliation!

    ¡°What¡¯s love?¡± she asked, properly flippant this time.

    ¡°Cynic!¡± heughed, but oddly he found that her answer disappointed him. Surely he wasn¡¯t so arrogant as to suppose that she had once loved him?

    ¡°Have you?¡± she asked him tentatively.

    ¡°Oh, there have been times in my life when I sensed that I was on the brink of something that other people might describe as love,¡± he said slowly. ¡°It¡¯s just that I always pulled back!¡±

    ¡°In the nick of time?¡± she suggested, wondering about ire and if he was really telling her the truth.

    ¡°Yeah. Maybe.¡± His eyes grew thoughtful. ¡°Maybe,¡± he repeated. The sun had moved across the sky and shadows fell onto his face, defining the dip of his cheekbones and the darkened curve of his chin. ¡°Now you tell me something, Sasha.¡± He paused, searching her face for the first flicker of reaction before she had a chance to modify it. ¡°When you wake up each morning, there¡¯s a dreamy little interlude before reality slots into ce. Right?¡±

    ¡°Mmm.¡± She narrowed her eyes, not sure what line he was going to take. ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So when that happens, and you remember that you¡¯re going to have a baby-my baby-do you groan and turn over and feel trapped? Maybe wish it had never happened?¡±

    Sasha smiled. ¡°I groan, yes-always-and so would you if you woke up to raging heartburn or a feeling of nausea!¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    He smiled too.

    ¡°As to whether I feel trapped.¡± She wriggled a bit in her seat as she gave the question some thought. ¡°Sometimes, obviously I do-especially when I think of the sheermitment of having a baby. And the birth itself, of course. But I asked some of the other mothers in the antenatal group I just joined, and they said they felt exactly the same.¡± Her eyes softened in response to the question in his.¡±As to wishing it had never happened; well, it has. Like you once said, you can¡¯t rewrite the past, but¡­¡± Her expression grew thoughtful.

    ¡°But?¡± He put in softly, fascinated by the dreamy look on her face.

    Sasha shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s funny, really-I mean the logical side of you thinks, Help! But then there¡¯s this soppy side of you that seems to cut right through all the practical objections. So that even though this is never how you would have nned to have a baby, you¡¯re just thinking, Oh, yes, please! I mean, it seems absolutely crazy to me-but I can¡¯t wait!¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± She shook her head as she heard the indulgent note in his voice. ¡°Sad, isn¡¯t it? Some people would say I¡¯m crazy¡­ You know¡­ Getting excited about raising a child on my own.¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Wrong, Sasha. You¡¯re not alone, and I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±

    She bit her lip, forcing herself to ept the truth, however unptable. ¡°But one day you might. One day you might not pull back from the brink. You might fall in love with a woman who will resent me-and who could me her? If I were in her shoes I might feel the same about a casual fling who had got herself pregnant!¡±

    ¡°Sasha,¡± he said patiently. ¡°You¡¯re epting me where none is due. The reason you became pregnant is because I failed to use a condom-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± she wailed. ¡°That makes it even worse. Implying that I had an ¡±ident¡±-with all the negative baggage that word brings!¡±

    ¡°And the reason I didn¡¯t use a condom,¡± he continued inexorably, ignoring her shocked gasp and her rapidly rising color, ¡°was presumably because we had the most-¡± He drew a breath, not sure where this admission was going to take him. ¡°The most,¡± he emphasized, ¡°passionate sex I can ever remember¡­ That Ipletely forgot about using protection.¡±

    There was a short silence. ¡°Honestly?¡± asked Sasha, her heart pumping like mad, hardly able to meet his eyes.

    He noted her use of the word-a word she had used on more than one asion today. And if he owed her anything it was that.

    ¡°Honestly,¡± he nodded, but then he shut up. Talking about it only made him think about it, and thinking about it didn¡¯t really help him sleep at night.

    Sasha tried not to read too much into his words. Just because the sex had been passionate, it didn¡¯t mean any more than that. Nor did she want it to. It was only her wildly fluctuating hormones demanding what nature had determined she should demand. A mate who would love her and provide for their child. Well Kaleb would certainly provide for their child- but that was all she could count on.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he demanded, noticing the look on her face.

    She felt oddly shy, ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s nothing,¡±

    But as usual, he thought something was wrong with the baby, and he was already reaching for her. ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked as he held her hand.

    ¡°Yes I¡¯m sure¡±

    He was longing to touch more than her hand¡­. He wanted to touch her belly, but they had already raked up a lot of emotion today-surely any more would crowd her? He registered all the conflicting emotions he could see on her face. There was fear and uncertainty, joy and disbelief. Heaven knew, he¡¯d experienced them all himself, and a few more besides.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°Mmm?¡±

    ¡°You look tired.¡±

    ¡°I am a bit.¡±

 47

    ¡°Right, then,¡± he said briskly. ¡°Go and lie down before dinner.¡± He saw her expression and knew what it meant.

    ¡°And stop worrying. I won¡¯t be the unpaying guest any more. Everything will be exactly as you want it to be- you only have to say. In the evening we will talk to your heart¡¯s content.¡±

    He smiled. ¡°Do you still y cards? You know, like we used to y with Tilly¡­ When we were younger,¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a little rusty.¡±

    ¡°I could give myself a handicap.¡±

    ¡°That would be very sweet of you,¡± said Sasha innocently.  ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯d never manage to beat you these days.¡±

    His phone rang that moment, and they both stared at it together. Sasha¡¯s eyes were glued to the phone vibrating on the table but she was actually staring at the caller ID that said, ¡®ire¡¯.

    The moment was ruined. She blinked, then turned to look at him, ¡°I¡¯ll be in my room¡± she said.

    Kaleb nodded, then grabbed his phone and went outside the house to answer his call. Sasha knew she shouldn¡¯t be jealous of ire. ire was his girlfriend and she was just thedy who¡¯d gotten pregnant for him. She knew she shouldn¡¯t feel angry and jealous¡­ But she was.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    She was the most infuriating woman he¡¯d ever met in his entire life, Kaleb thought two weekster as he drove back to Sasha¡¯s ce one evening. He had no idea what he¡¯d done to upset her, but after that heart to heart talk they had or whatever the fuck that was, Sasha had remained distant¡­. Even angry at him sometimes.

    Weren¡¯t people supposed to get closer after having such a conversation with each other? He guessed she was different then. Then as if he¡¯d summoned her just by thinking about her, he saw her ahead of him, walking back home, and he sped up a little to meet up with her.

    ¡°Hi, aren¡¯t you supposed to be resting¡± he said through the open window when he got to her.

    She stared at him in surprise, then frowned, ¡°I needed a walk, Kaleb. The doctor said it¡¯s fine now. I¡¯m not putting your baby in danger,¡± she added sarcastically.

    Kaleb decided to ignore her tone. He parked the car and got out, then went to face her, ¡°Get in,¡± he ordered quietly, holding the car door open.

    ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡± Sasha retorted, ring menacingly at him.

    He smirked. ¡°If you don¡¯t I¡¯ll kidnap you. And I¡¯m not bluffing,¡± he replied, his voice casual yet demanding.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Oh? I¡¯d love to see you try,¡± Sasha uttered, challenging him.

    Kaleb broke into giggles, certainly finding her amusing. ¡°Sasha, I¡¯m not in the mood to y with you in the damn street. Just get in the car and let¡¯s talk.¡±

    ¡°We have nothing to talk about, though, do we?¡± Sasha insisted, sounding serious. ¡°And if we do, then I¡¯ll see you at home,¡±

    Kaleb leaned toward her, and in response she reclined back onto the car. ¡°Just get inside the car, Sasha. Unless you want me to shut your smart mouth right here in the daylight. Is that what you want?¡± he whispered into her ear, ignoring whoever was passing by.

    Sasha¡¯s breath hitched at the warmth of his breath in her ear. It was arousing and she wasn¡¯t ready to sumb to it.

    ¡°You¡¯re such an asshole!¡± she muttered, panting softly.

    ¡°An asshole indeed?¡± Pulling back, Kaleb beganughing delightedly. ¡°Oh, Sasha.¡± He was indeed entertained.

    ¡°I want to walk home.¡± Sasha tried to move but he stopped her, his hand gripping hers. ¡°Kaleb l-¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve walked enough for today.¡± He opened the door and he was no longer kidding. ¡°Please get inside, Sasha. Let¡¯s not argue because I¡¯ll never let you win.¡±

    ¡°But I want to-¡±

    ¡°Oh,e on!¡± Deftly, Kaleb sent her inside the car and the door shut heavily afterwards. ¡°That will do,¡± he uttered with a smile.

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± Sasha knocked on the window. ¡°Open the door, you jerk!¡± Her eyes trailed him as he rushed towards the driver and slid in. ¡°Kaleb-¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll go home together,¡± Kaleb interrupted her, shutting his eyes as though he¡¯s overwhelmed with something. ¡°And honestly, I think we need to talk.¡± He now nced at her.

    Sasha huffed. What for? ¡°And why should Iply with your demand, huh? What if I don¡¯t want to talk to you?¡± she snarled.

    ¡°Oh, you will talk to me,¡± Kaleb answered gently and pulled the seatbelt.

    ¡°Fuck you! You¡¯re crazy in the head, that¡¯s what you are!¡± Sasha said sternly.

    Kaleb paid no attention to her ranting, other than smiling. ¡°Crazy?¡± Kaleb mocked, smiling wickedly. ¡°I thought you already had an answer for my mental state by now. Just shut up, Sasha, it will do you good.¡± He ignited the engine. ¡°And the baby too,¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re sick!¡± Sasha grunted. ¡°So very sick!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, seatbelt!¡± Kaleb said.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Put on the damn seatbelt!¡± he repeated.

    ¡°Asshole!¡± With a heavy frustrated sigh, Sashaplied.

    They rode in that style until they arrived at her house.

    ¡°Now what? Sasha asked as they got out of the car.

    ¡°Can we just get inside first,¡± he said.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you fucking tell me with words?¡± Sasha demanded, ring at him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re starting this again. I¡¯m here already and my ears work fine¡±

    Ignoring her useless resistance, Kaleb unlocked the door with the spare key she¡¯d given him and they both entered.

    ¡°Fine, you can kill me now and no one will know,¡± Sasha muttered.

    Kaleb couldn¡¯t contain hisughter. ¡°You¡¯re so stubborn, I swear,¡± he breathed. Sasha didn¡¯t respond. Crossing her arms on the chest, she watched as he shrugged out of his jacket, followed by the neck tie, and threw them on the couch. Then he smiled at her. ¡°You¡¯re so pretty when you sulk. Want something to drink?¡± He was now heading towards the kitchen.

    ¡°No. Just tell me what you want to talk about¡±

    Kaleb returned with a bottle of water in hand. He opened and gulped a half of it, seating himself down while watching her with interest.

    ¡°What?¡± She snorted.

    ¡°Why are you ignoring me?¡± Kaleb asked. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that you barely speak to metely. Youined about my attitude weeks ago and I tried to fix it, and now you¡¯re doing the same thing. I even called you twice today and you deliberately chose to ignore all of my calls, and even my texts.¡±

 48

    ¡°Oh, you mean your two missed calls and one message?¡± Sasha replied sarcastically, and Kaleb squinted his eyes. ¡°You must have really tried your best to reach me with those sleazy attempts of yours, huh?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kaleb huffed, sitting morefortably.

    ¡°I mean three trials and you¡¯re hereining?¡± Sasha muttered under her breath, and he raised an amused eyebrow.

    ¡°So you think it wasn¡¯t enough? Do you prefer I called you nonstop and sent you a bundle of texts instead?¡± He smiled boyishly.

    Sasha rolled her eyes and got up, flustered. ¡°No, I never said that,¡± she replied stoutly.

    ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t?¡± Kaleb gazed up at her, grinning.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m only saying that you could have-¡± She halted. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re only trying to evade the main issue here, aren¡¯t you?¡± Her voice was using.

    ¡°Meaning?¡± Kaleb was enjoying the show.

    ¡°Why are we even discussing this?¡± Sasha demanded, stunned.

    ¡°Because you want to?¡± Kaleb answered with a sweet smile, folding his arms across the chest.

    ¡°Of course not! Kaleb, just tell me what¡¯s all this about so that we can get it over with. Because I¡¯m not in the mood to y your games,¡± Sasha told him strictly.

    ¡°Nothing much, I just wanted to spend time with you. You were the one who said we didn¡¯t spend enough time together¡­and now I want to.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Because I miss you,¡± he said truthfully, his voice low and gentle.

    A small silence stretched between them as they both eyed one another.

    ¡°Are you even listening to yourself?¡± Sasha uttered, unable to fathom anything he was trying to pull. ¡°Who do you think I am really? A slut with no dignity? A hooker you can have whenever you feel bored?¡±

    ¡°None of that,¡± Kaleb prompted coolly.

    ¡°Oh, I know.¡± Sashaughed, biting her bottom lip. ¡°A poor, stupid girl who got pregnant, then one day she finds a hiding shelter in the arms of the Prince charming, is that it?¡±

    Kaleb¡¯s lips twisted at her final remark, displeased. ¡°I haven¡¯t thought of you as any of that, Sasha,¡± he said softly.

    He had a girlfriend. A reminder that made Sasha weak despite the strange sensation she¡¯d entertain whenever she was alone with him. ¡°Please, Kaleb, just let me go,¡± she begged softly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to you,¡±

    ¡°Sasha,¡± Kaleb uttered, and that cynic air was all gone. ¡°The truth is-¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on this baby thing peacefully and when the child is born, we¡¯ll both go to where we truly belong,¡± Sasha said. ¡°Yes, I admit that you¡¯ve managed to shake me up for a moment, and I forgot my ce, my principles, and even my dignity. But you know what? That¡¯s as far as I¡¯m willing to go, Kaleb. It¡¯s difficult resisting you, that I admit, but don¡¯t make this even harder for me, please.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t going to win against him, Sasha knew this for a fact. But she also knew he was capable of doing that for her. Probably, if he stopped looking at her the way he was currently, everything would be back to normal.

    ¡°Listen, Sasha,¡± said Kaleb in a soft voice. He stood up so that they were closer. ¡°I¡¯m not ying-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m done with this!¡± Sasha snapped. ¡°I can¡¯t afford to be the other woman, and especially the evil one. I already messed up and got myself pregnant and I¡¯m not making another mistake with you again.¡± She furiously grabbed her handbag and headed to her bedroom.

    ¡°So this is all about ire?¡± Kaleb snapped back, and she stared back at him, wondering what was really the matter with him.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s all about her,¡± she retorted. ¡°So can I go now?¡± Her voice was harsher.

    ¡°Are you feeling guilty or something?¡± Kaleb asked.

    Was he serious? Sasha let out a smirk and bit her lip savagely. She¡¯d started to think he was really out of his mind. Was it possible that she was dealing with a mental patient? Asylum mental? She asked herself inwardly, but couldn¡¯t bring herself to believe he was in need of a shrink.

    ¡°Do you even love her? You girlfriend?¡± Sasha asked.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Kaleb queried.

    ¡°It was a stupid question, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Sashaughed sinisterly. ¡°Because I don¡¯t think people like you even know what love is, let alone how to love someone.¡±

    A heavy silence settled as Kaleb¡¯s jaw tightened. He suddenly looked different, pained even, but none of his reactions impressed Sasha. He slowly began undoing his shoes, and then his socks, wordless. He seemed thoughtful.

    What was he thinking of? Sasha wondered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s say you¡¯re right.¡± Kaleb sighed, his eyes dark. ¡°But what if ire wasn¡¯t my girlfriend? Would you have spared me the drama?¡± He stood up.

    ¡°The drama? You think this is a drama?¡± Unexpected pain shot in Sasha¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kaleb replied crisply while marching closer, barefoot. ¡°Women are so good in thinking they know what love is, but in reality, you¡¯re the first creatures who introduced betrayal in the world. In the name of love.¡± He was disdainful.

    ¡°You¡¯re fucked up!¡± Sasha gritted her teeth. ¡°You bastard!¡± She began walking towards the bedroom again.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question!¡± Kaleb barked. ¡°Would things be different if she weren¡¯t my girlfriend?¡±

    Sasha stopped, clenching her fists hard. Taking a deep breath, she slowly whirled back. ¡°If I say yes, what will you do? Will you leave her for me?¡± she asked.

    Kaleb was silent, inexplicably silent, totally unable to tell what he was thinking.

    ¡°Sasha. . .¡± He ran his palms on his face, perplexityced in his voice.

    ¡°See? You can¡¯t even answer that,¡± Sasha muttered. ¡°Just let me go, Kaleb. And when the babyes, you can forget about me as I will you.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to leave her?¡± Kaleb asked.

    ¡°Can you?¡± she retorted.

    ¡°Do you? Do you want me to do it, Sasha?¡± He insisted.

    Was that what she wanted? Another woman to be abandoned for her sake? Sasha thought. ¡°No! Just do nothing, you asshole!¡± she barked to his face and headed for the bedroom again, but he was fast and before she knew what he intended to do, he was in her way, blocking the door.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to get in there, unless I let you,¡± Kaleb said.

    ¡°Get out of my way so I can open the door, Kaleb.¡± She tried to confront him-only to bump into his chest.

 49

    ¡°You¡¯ll never escape me no matter how hard you try, because you¡¯ve walked into a ce you shouldn¡¯t have the moment you let me kiss you at my party or let me make love to you,¡± Kaleb  whispered, cing his forehead against hers, hauling her waist.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try any funny business with me, Kaleb.¡± Sasha jerked away. ¡°Get out of my way!¡±

    ¡°And what will you do if I don¡¯t? Tell me, what will you do?¡± he whispered into her ear, teasing her.

    ¡°Fuck, Kaleb, open the door, damn it!¡± Sasha snapped. ¡°Let me-¡±

    Kaleb¡¯s lips were on hers, shutting her up with a tight hold of her body, possessively as always.

    ¡°Kaleb-¡± She kissed him back. The kiss was strong, wild, and she couldn¡¯t contain the urge it ignited in her. She slowly, and gradually, yielded to his sweet torture and sensual assault. Their lips mingled, tongue to tongue. God, he was a damn kisser!

    ¡°Can¡¯t you-¡± Kaleb spoke amidst the kiss. ¡°Just be as quiet-¡± he added. ¡°Like this?¡±

    He lifted her briskly, and she encircled her legs about around his waist, lost in his kiss. Fuck, why was she so weak over him? Sasha cursed inwardly as he carried her back to the living room.

    ¡°I hate you, Kaleb. You¡¯re the fucking beast and I shouldn¡¯t be¡­ Doing this.  She wrapped her arms around his neck, and continued having the taste of his lips as he heavily dropped her on the couch.

    ¡°I love being the beast,¡± Kaleb ripped off her blouse, making the buttons stter helplessly. ¡°And you don¡¯t need to love me, Sasha, just don¡¯t walk away from me. Don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Kaleb, why?¡± she snapped.

    ¡°Because I can,¡± he said, his eyes filled with desire to possess her as he stared at her perfect breasts hiding beneath the white bralette. ¡°Damn it, you¡¯re going to kill me!¡± He peeled off his own shirt that was already unbuttoned.From N?velDrama.Org.

    No, he was going to be the death of her. Sasha thought, staring at the sculpted abs of his manly torso that seemed to be ustomed into weight lifting and frequent sit-ups.

    ¡°Kiss me,¡± she uttered, and Kaleb¡¯s hungry mouth was once again on hers, taking her impatiently. With her hips swaying beneath his weight, Sasha felt his length growing. His lustful eyes kept mocking her while kissing and teasing every sensitive part of her body, without undressing. Well, except her ripped blouse that was lying helplessly on the floor.

    ¡°Oh fuck it, Sasha!¡± Kaleb grunted. ¡°You drive me nuts.¡± He breathed out, feeling her fingers caressing his back restlessly, kissing his neck, his ears, her lips so demanding.

    ¡°You called for it,¡± Sasha said, and she was having the best moment of her sexual diary, once again. She suddenly flipped him over, surprising him, and unbuckled his belt in a swift. She kissed his pecks, and began grinding on top of him, turning his predatory libido awake.

    Smiling, she tugged the tight waistband of his boxer and freed his length. It was big, hard, and firm, and Sasha¡¯s smile widened lustily. She wanted it all for herself. And man, he had it good. She leaned down to kiss his tight stomach, her hand stroking him softly and unhurriedly, feeling it throbbing.

    ¡°Oh, Sasha,¡± Kaleb cried, shutting his eyes at the feel of her tongue on his skin. When he washed them open, her sight was mesmerizing. ¡°Oh, I so want to fuck you so badly.¡± He was eyeing her pretty legs, caressing them.

    ¡°I still hate you,¡± Sasha muttered, raising up while tugging her hair to one side. Kaleb stare was impatient, but soon began smiling when she shifted down, straddling him still, and then drew her head down.

    ¡°Oh fuck!¡± Kaleb groaned, feeling her tongue touching the tip of his manhood, teasing him.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Sasha ordered, fixing her hair once again to the side.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Kaleb chuckled, his hands unhooking the back of her bra so as to free the particrs. ¡°Naughty little thing, huh? Oh damn it, Sasha!¡± he moaned when her mouth filled him in with an up and down rhythm.

    ¡°Mmm.¡± Sasha hummed as she sucked him hard, deeper to her throat.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Kaleb flexed his hips, pushing up and down while holding her head to lead the movement, while clutching her hair at the same time. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re going to make me . . . Oh God!¡± he groaned, her speed increasing, driving him nuts.

    ¡°Ahh!¡±

    Sasha pulled out, gasping, chuckling at the face he was making.

    ¡°Oh, fuck,e here!¡± Kaleb grabbed her and sheid on top of him, his arms gripping her waist and back. ¡°You¡¯re so sexy.¡± He pushed his tongue into her mouth, kissing her deeply. His hands dropped down to her behind, tugging her clothes up, and then her pantie down, just enough to ease his naughty fingers in.

    ¡°Kaleb,¡± Sasha grunted into his mouth when he started rubbing her sex, smoothly entering her wet core

    .

    ¡°You¡¯re so ready.¡± He grinned. ¡°I want you on top. I want to see your face when youe with me.¡± He made her sit on him, slowly until she fitted.

    ¡°Oh!¡± She bawled, then giggled at the fill of his erection inside her. It was awesome.

    ¡°Good girl.¡± Kaleb smiled as he sat up with her, taking her with ease until he¡¯s seated in a normal seating posture and she was right on hisp, straddling him, her arms around his neck. ¡°You¡¯re so perfect,¡± he breathed, and she was slowly riding him.

    ¡°Ah,¡± she murmured, her mouth agape, and he was on her chest, kissing her cleavage. Damn, he felt good. ¡°Kaleb,¡± she cried, tossing her head back as he sucked her teats, hardening them in just a tiny tongue touch.

    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Kaleb groaned, clutching her slender waist to support her move. She hugged him tighter, moving up and down, circr, over and over again. ¡°Right there. Look what you¡¯re doing to me! Fuck!¡± He was going crazy, and she was speeding up, her moaning loud.

    They kept kissing, deeply and harder each time, moving in synergy, holding onto each other tightly. How was she going to stop wanting him now? Sasha wondered as her body yielded easily in his advancement. He was the end of her, she could feel it, and even more when she exploded in his arms.

 50

    Sasha¡¯s body was resting on Kaleb¡¯s, both lying intimately on the couch. The  t screen was rambling on something none of the two paid attention at. Outside it was slightly raining, the water sliding smoothly on the ss of the window. It felt peaceful; Sasha couldn¡¯t deny this feeling of such rarity in her heart.

    ¡°Why did you rip off my blouse?¡± Sashamented.

    Kaleb was smoothly toying with her hair, tangling and detangling the strands. ¡°I was in a hurry to undress you, I guess,¡± he answered tly, grinning at her.

    Sasha sighed. ¡°You¡¯re so crazy, Kaleb.¡± The back of her hand grazed his cleanly shaved face that made him look younger than his thirty-two years of age.

    ¡°You¡¯ve said that over a million times already.¡± Kaleb¡¯s hands slid down to her waist, yfully reaching for the hem of his shirt. It was the only thing Sasha was wearing right now.

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± She giggled as he squeezed her butt with both hands, knowing fully well that she had no pantie inside. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Exactly what you love me doing, among other things.¡± Kaleb¡¯s face was rxed, and his smile was so pure and genuine. ¡°I love holding you in my arms,¡± he muttered, his voice gentle, and kissed her lips slowly.

    Sasha could feel the butterflies in her stomach at the sight of him, even without paying attention to the profane things he was doing to her. ¡°Psycho! Well, I need to use the bathroom,¡± she asked while detaching herself from him, her emotions shifted from craziness to this foreign apprehension of something newly developed. No, she wasn¡¯t falling for him. She shouldn¡¯t. By any means! She thought.

    ¡°Fuck, I¡¯ll pee in myself.¡± She buttoned Kaleb¡¯s shirt in a hurry.

    ¡°My shirt looks better on you. And those long legs are so sexy that I want you to just stay like that.¡± Kaleb rose up, his grin ever yful.

    ¡°Keep wishing, Kaleb!¡± Sasha made her way out of the living room.

    ¡°Always challenging.¡± Kalebughed heartily.

    A few minutester Sasha was back from the bathroom, and to her surprise, Kaleb was in the kitchen. He smiled haughtily at her as shock registered on her face.

    ¡°What are you doing? Are you trying to cook?¡± Sashaughed at the thought.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Kaleb smirked. ¡°Trying? I am cooking,¡± He plucked a packet of pasta from the cab, with fresh vegetables lying on the countertop.

    ¡°Wow, sex and food?¡± Sasha gasped, utterly surprised. She marched closer. ¡°How nice,¡±

    ¡°I can do many things, Sasha.¡± Smiling, Kaleb strode towards the sink and started washing the veggies.

    ¡°Yeah, I can see that.¡± She was now right behind him, her eyes on his bare back embellished with rippling muscles.

    What a sexy jerk! It was impossible for her to not fall into the sphere of Kaleb awesomeness. Why was fate teasing her this much?

    ¡°Really?¡± Kaleb looked at her archly. ¡°Now you see the benefits of having me here. You don¡¯t even need to worry about meals because I can cook for you.¡± Kaleb winked.

    Sasha flushed. ¡°And why would I even worry about that? Besides, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re going to be living together forever,¡± She rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Kaleb began chopping the veggies after putting the skillet on the stove.

    Sasha wondered if he was really serious when he asked questions like that. Wasn¡¯t the answer obvious? ¡°Because it¡¯s impossible?¡± she shifted onto the barstool so she could face him directly. ¡°It¡¯ll never happen¡­. I mean¡­ The baby wille and all of this will be over then,¡± She plucked a ruby apple from the fruit basket.

    ¡°Never say never, beautiful,¡± Kaleb said, making Sasha even more confused, but she couldn¡¯t deny the fact that she was having fun, and watching him chopping the onions with ease was so spectacr. He poured them into the skillet, and the olive oil made its wonderful sound as he stirred them expertly. ¡°I will do anything to send Samson far away from you, and it looks like my n is working perfectly?¡± he muttered, resuming the chopping of other ingredients.

    Sasha scowled. ¡°What does that even mean? Kaleb, do you actually believe that you¡¯ve stolen me from Samson?¡±

    ¡°Maybe?¡± Kaleb shrugged.

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous.¡± She bit the apple,ughing.

    ¡°It¡¯s not. He¡¯s a man, too,¡± Kaleb remarked.

    No, Kaleb was not into her. The sweet guy was naturally nice to everyone. That¡¯s what Sasha really believed.

    ¡°He is, but not as psycho as someone I know¡­ And by that, I mean you,¡± she replied. ¡°And not every rtionship has to involve romance; some are just pure friendship.¡±

    ¡°Sure . . . If you say so.¡± Kaleb said, rolling his eyes as he proceeded with the cooking.

    ¡°Of course, how can someone like you understand this?¡± Sasha muttered under her breath.

    Lunch was finally ready. It looked and smelled amazing, making Sasha smile excitedly when Kaleb ced a te of pasta and red sauce. She wasted no time taking a fork and rolled a big one. She took the bite with pleasure.

    ¡°So, how is it?¡± Kaleb asked, his face bright like a little boy waiting for his Mama¡¯spliment.

    ¡°Um . . .¡± Sasha hummed while chewing the pasta. Kaleb creased an eyebrow, waiting. She swallowed, and broke into a big smile.

    ¡°Come on, tell me,¡± Kaleb urged, leaning over onto the table.

    Sasha grinned at him. ¡°It¡¯s perfect! Man, you surely know your way in the kitchen. It¡¯s so yummy. . . just as it looks,¡± she uttered, taking another roll.

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m the best.¡± Kaleb sped his hands together with relief. ¡°Some guava juice?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please. I love guava juice.¡± She sounded childish. Smiling, Kaleb poured her some from the box. ¡°Modesty is never in your dictionary, is it?¡± she remarked.

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Kaleb answered, and both shared a briefugh.  He started eating, ¡°I bet I¡¯ve raised the bar for Samson. Let him beat this¡±

    Sasha rolled her eyes, ¡°What problem do you have with Samson anyway? Why do you hate him being my friend so much?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t owe an exnation to anyone, Sasha!¡± Kaleb snapped. ¡°And why are you so concerned when I talk about him? Do you like him?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I do. I¡¯m close to him.¡± Sasha snorted. ¡°He has always been nice to me even before you came back to this town and I will continue to be close to him.¡± She slid the te aside, annoyed.

 51

    Kaleb frowned. ¡°Finish your food,¡± he demanded.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Sasha prompted quickly.

    ¡°I said finish your food,¡± he repeated, sternly. ¡°I want to see that te clean, Sasha, and I¡¯m not bluffing.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Fuck! Why do you always treat me like a child, huh?¡± she snarled at him

    ¡°Because you¡¯re behaving like one, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kaleb retorted, his eyes raw.

    ¡°I¡¯m full! I¡¯ve had my fill! Isn¡¯t that a reason enough?¡±

    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s not! You¡¯re going to finish the food, and you¡¯re going to stop whining.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say I¡¯m whining! I hate it!¡± Sasha stood up stoutly.

    ¡°Then stop doing it! And sit down!¡±

    ¡°Are you my daddy or something?¡± She glowered.

    ¡°Oh, I can be one, Sasha, trust me.¡± Kaleb smirked.

    ¡°Fuck you!¡±

    ¡°Fuck you, too, baby. Now sit down and finish your food. Some people are dying to have just a spoonful,¡± he said and sounded earnest. ¡°And you and the baby need it,¡±

    Tired of his tyranny, Sasha decided to gobble the pasta as quickly as possible while looking sternly at him. He paid no attention to the angry look of her face; instead he stared intently at her as she kept eating like a marathon. ¡°I cleaned the te, are you happy now, Hitler?¡± she snapped.

    ¡°Very happy.¡± Kaleb smiled, and before he could hear or add anything more, his cell phone buzzed.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s your precious girlfriend wondering where you are right now,¡± Sasha said, displeasurecing her voice.

    ¡°You think?¡± Kaleb mocked.

    ¡°Jerk!¡± she cursed.

    ¡°Yes, rk, what is it?¡± Kaleb spoke after picking up. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± He frowned, and Sasha¡¯s face took a simr expression. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± He rose up to his feet.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Sasha asked urgently.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back to the office,¡± Kaleb replied while gulping half of his juice.

    ¡°You¡¯re going? What about me?¡± She stood up, knowing she sounded clingy.

    ¡°I won¡¯t take long,¡± Kaleb said hastily. ¡°Stay here and I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can.¡±

    ¡°Are you kidding me? Why do I have to stay here by myself? No, I¡¯ll just go out then.¡± She started clearing the table in a hurry.

    He chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry sometimes about ire? What if she shows up here looking for you one day?¡± Sasha asked.

    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± he replied.

    ¡°How do you know that?¡±

    ¡°I know her well enough to know.¡±

    ¡°Oh God,¡± she gasped, resigned in manners. ¡°Fine, Kaleb. I¡¯ll stay here like a prisoner until you decide toe back,¡±

    ¡°Good. That¡¯s what I thought.¡± Kaleb kissed her on the lips, which she refused to cooperate. ¡°Be good.¡± He rushed to his room to change. It didn¡¯t take long until he left the apartment some minutester.

    Once alone, Sasha used the void to fill up the dishwasher and stayed beside it, sighing. At this moment she hadn¡¯t any idea on what she was doing with her life. She¡¯d always been careful. Not in her wildest dream had she ever thought of coveting someone else¡¯s man. And here she was, pregnant, dressed up in Kaleb¡¯s shirt as though he was her own husband, or boyfriend at the very least.

    She hated the fact, but it wasn¡¯t enough to stop herself from falling into his scheme.

    She suddenly felt sleepy, and decided to take a nap. Slowly she made her way to her room. But instead, she found herself entering Kaleb¡¯s room. A smile stretched across her face as she slowly shut the door behind her. The long curtains were iling, and the rain was slowly dissipating through the  ss window.

    ¡°What are you getting yourself at, Sasha?¡± she breathed, taking her feet towards the ck-leathered sofa bed.

    The wooden floor felt smooth against her bare feet, and even more the fluffy rug she¡¯d stepped on as she reached the bed. She sat down, running a hand on the white duvet, inhaling Kaleb¡¯s scent everywhere, and she loved it.

    It was rxing. So very rxing, but was it okay feeling at home inside a man¡¯s house? The man she had nothing definitive with? Shey down, taking one of the pillows and hugged it tight.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Kaleb took a seat behind his office desk and skimmed through some documents.

    ¡°This is good enough,¡± he said pointedly, regarding the contract rk had been working on. ¡°And what¡¯s the emergency?¡± He turned towards ire, who had been watching him taciturn.

    She sighed audibly and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid Jeremy has got you this time.¡± She sat straight.

    ¡°What?¡± Kaleb frowned.

    ¡°Where did you go, and without telling anyone?¡± ire snapped angrily. ¡°I¡¯ve tried to reach you, but it seems you were too busy to answer!¡± She frantically rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Tell me about Jeremy, what happened?¡± Ignoring thedy, Kaleb turned to rk for information. This was way more important for him.

    ¡°Well,¡± rk started, but when ire got up stoutly like an angry wife, he had to stop his speech.

    ¡°Sit down, ire!¡± Kaleb demanded.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you need me here, so why should I stay?¡± she replied harshly while reaching for the door handle.

    ¡°I said sit down, ire!¡± Kaleb snapped aloud, his voice supreme. ¡°I¡¯m the CEO of thispany, don¡¯t ever forget that!¡± he added, and the entire office went cold.

    ire clenched her fists tightly for a second or two. And then she walked back reluctantly after a deep sigh.

    ¡°Well, it seems like Jeremy made a bigger offer, and they¡¯re selling him thend,¡± rk said, staring at Kaleb whose face was now expressionless. He was thoughtful. ¡°I snooped around and I learned they¡¯re sealing the deal tomorrow. So what do we do?¡±

    ¡°And it looks like someone is leaking our intelligence from the inside,¡± ire added, back to herposure.

    Indeed. This had happened twice already. Kaleb reclined back in his seat and silence filled the air. He seemed to be thinking hard, his jaw clenched.

    ¡°About the mole, I¡¯m letting you deal with it, ire,¡± he said, and she nodded. ¡°Jeremy-that scheming son of a bitch. We¡¯re not going to do anything,¡± he finally stated.

    ¡°What?¡± ire and rk eximed in unison.

    ¡°I thought you wanted thatnd badly, and you promised the board that it¡¯s going to be our next project,¡± ire said, her voice apprehensive.

 52

    ¡°I know. But I¡¯m not doing it, period.¡± Kaleb stressed. None of the two could get him. ¡°But I want you to spread the news that we¡¯re raising the bid,¡± he uttered.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ire sat straight. ¡°That way he¡¯ll also raise?¡± she asked, and Kaleb nodded agreeably.

    ¡°Huh? You want him to pay more than necessary?¡± She frowned, trying to understand.

    ¡°And then you back out? But you¡¯ll also be on the losing end, don¡¯t you think?¡± rk remarked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that,¡± Kaleb said with a wicked smile.

    ¡°But that¡¯s crazy, Kaleb. You never let anyone screw your target, so then why?¡± ire asked.

    ¡°Sometimes shit happens, I guess. I¡¯ll think of a contingency n,¡± Kaleb said while shutting the papers.

    ¡°And the Havana deal?¡± rk asked urgently.

    ¡°I¡¯ll review the contract at home,¡± Kaleb replied. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll get going now.¡± He nced at his watch.

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving? What about dinner? You promised we¡¯d go out tonight,¡± ire asked, and rk excused himself with a knowing grin.

    Kaleb fetched the documents and rose up his feet. ¡°Something came up, ire. Some other time, maybe.¡± He moved out of his seat.

    ire scowled hard, displeased with his answer. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Kaleb? You¡¯ve been acting really strangetely,¡± she asked gently while heading to the exit.

    ¡°Nothing is going on, you¡¯re just being paranoid,¡± Kaleb replied coolly. ¡°You should go home early today, and rx a bit. You¡¯re working too hard.¡± He smiled at her.

    ire flushed. ¡°First yoush at me, and now you¡¯re being nice? How lovely!¡± She opened the door, followed by Kaleb right behind her.

    ¡°Work is work,¡± he said.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡± ire rolled her eyes. They walked past Kaleb¡¯s secretary post. ¡°Oh, so how much will you offer to beat Jeremy? I bet you¡¯ll have to pay a fortune to get thend,¡± she suddenly uttered loudly enough for the secretary to hear, and Kalebughed.

    ¡°Whatever it takes,¡± Kaleb replied. ¡°You¡¯re something else,¡± he added, a few secondster.

    ¡°What? I always find her suspicious,¡± ire remarked.

    ¡°Could be. That¡¯s why I let you handle it.¡± Kaleb pressed the elevator button, and they both walked in after a short moment.

    ¡°What n do you have for the evening?¡± ire quizzed, her eyes straight onto Kaleb¡¯s.

    ¡°Important,¡± he answered coolly while fishing for his phone.

    ire¡¯s face nched. ¡°Nameless?¡± she asked, staring into space.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kaleb murmured and silence scooped them until the ride ended.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been spending a lot of time at your house, have you?¡± ire asked out of the blue.

    Kaleb scowled, but showed no hint of being surprised. ¡°Yeah¡­ I haven¡¯t really been around. I have some business I¡¯ve been taking care of so I don¡¯t stay at my ce as much as I used to,¡±  he dialed a number on his phone

    ¡°Is that so? Well, I-¡±

    ¡°I really need to leave, ire, see you tomorrow,¡± Kaleb told her curtly. ¡°And I expect you¡¯ll find the traitor soon.¡± His phone was now on the ear.

    ¡°Okay, I will, but- ¡± she started, but he was already leaving, making her sigh with a frustratedugh. ¡°What is it that you¡¯re hiding, Kaleb?¡± she thought out loud.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    A feeling of being watched was what managed to wake Sasha from her deep slumber. Yawning, she shed her eyes open with difficulty. Surprise spiked as she found the duvet on her body, feeling warm. Kaleb was here, she thought. He¡¯d been here for too long maybe, for it was already dark outside.

    Gingerly she sat up, desperately searching for him. He was on the loveseat couch near the main window, seatedzily, or exhaustedly, watching her with a faint smile. She pulled off the duvet and dropped her feet down on the carpeted floor. A scowl settled on her face at the sight of him.

    ¡°You said you won¡¯t take long and look what time it is,¡± sheined when her eyes stuck on the rm clock. It was seven, and the rain was making its slow entrance once again.

    Sighing heavily, Kaleb rubbed his eyes in a subdued manner. ¡°I couldn¡¯t wake you,¡± he said, his voice too calm.

    Sasha narrowed her eyes at that. She couldn¡¯t understand his unusual mood.

    Something was amiss. She slowly held her horses and sat next to him. ¡°Kaleb, is everything okay?¡± she calmly asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice seeing you calm for a second.¡± Kaleb smiled indulgently, stroking the strands of her hair. ¡°Can I hug you?¡± he asked, and it was quite surprising.

    ¡°Um, sure,¡± Sasha uttered, confused.

    Kaleb pulled her for a tight embrace which clearly defined that he wasn¡¯t okay. ¡°I love your warmth,¡± he breathed.

    ¡°Um, what¡¯s the matter, Kaleb? Did something happen at work?¡± Sasha pried, intending to understand the situation.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± he murmured, his eyes shut.

    ¡°Hey, talk to me, please. I¡¯m really worried now.¡±

    ¡°You are?¡± Kaleb returned, and that mischievous gleam was back into his eyes.

    ¡°Yes, Kaleb . Tell me what¡¯s wrong.¡±

    Smiling, Kaleb said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Sasha smiled back.

    They both gotfortably settled in the bed, Kaleb¡¯s head resting on Sasha¡¯sp.

    ¡°It¡¯s about work,¡± he started. ¡°Jeez, I don¡¯t usually discuss my problems with anyone, and here I am, ready to whine like you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you whine today, so tell me everything, and let it off your chest,¡± Sasha told him, her fingers delving through his hair in a soothing manner, and he quickly rxed.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve been looking into thisnd.¡± Kaleb exined the facts and how he¡¯d lost the deal that was so close to being signed.

    ¡°Gosh, what a bastard that Jeremy is,¡± Sasha snapped, and heughed at her mad tone of voice. ¡°So, you already have another project?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yeah, by next year it will be a part of the Government¡¯s Redevelopment n. Starting with the construction of a subway.¡± Again he got engrossed into details, and Sasha loved listening to his ns and visions of grandeur.

    ¡°Wow. And how the hell will you finance and manage another one?¡± she queried.

    ¡°In this industry, Sasha, you can¡¯t let your guards down. It¡¯s e move and you¡¯re out. So timing is also a merit, plus, I¡¯m not the one financing the project.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah? And who does?¡±

    ¡°Rule number one, never use your own money in Real Estate business,¡± said Kaleb, and Sasha smiled with a raised eyebrow.

 53

    ¡°What¡¯s rule number two?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Use only other people¡¯s money,¡± he replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s the same thing.¡± Sheughed, her eyes staring down at him.

    ¡°That¡¯s the whole point.¡± Kalebughed as well. ¡°If you snooze you lose, no one will sit around waiting for you to finish your damn project until they sell theirnd to you,¡± he exined.

    ¡°Okay, but you can always find a recement, no?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, but it won¡¯t be the same. When I set my eyes onto something, I hardly change. So, having to let it go is kind of a blow to me.¡±

    ¡°My father used to say that in any challenge lies a hidden opportunity,¡± Sasha said. ¡°And it¡¯s not a defect by being flexible, you know. Losing is a part of any game.¡±

    Kaleb smiled. ¡°I know, I just hate losing.¡±

    ¡°Who does?¡± Sasha wiggled her browsughingly. ¡°But like you said, Real Estate is like gambling, so being careful isn¡¯t a weakness at all,¡± she added, and Kaleb looked amusedly at her.

    ¡°I think you¡¯re right,¡± he said. He started describing his visions and Kaleb enjoyed the sight of him in his element.

    He was like a young enthusiastic boy, full of passion and ambition.

    ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re so smart.¡± He kissed her briefly. ¡°I always knew that you¡¯re fucking smart, aside from being sexy and beautiful.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, I guess?¡± Sasha uttered.

    Everything was going well, until Kaleb¡¯s phone buzzed and Sasha learned it was a call from ire. Kaleb excused himself and walked out of the bedroom, leaving her right where she was.

    That was her cue, back to reality, Sasha thought while feeling the rage. She had to leave, and never return to his room. Kaleb got back about two minutester, and found her already at her feet.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked while closing the door behind him.

    ¡°I¡¯m dressing up. Are you blind or something?¡± she answered curtly while fixing the oversized shirt of his.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re dressing up, but why?¡± He walked in, frowning.

    ¡°So that I can go to my room? This is your room, remember?¡± Sasha nced at him scornfully.

    Kaleb rolled his eyes. ¡°Here we go again. So you want to go right now?¡± He sauntered toward her.

    ¡°Yes, right now.¡±

    Kaleb sighed heavily. ¡°Is this about the call? Jeez, Sasha. We were talking about office matters, so why are you behaving like this?¡± His voice was no longer teasing.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Sasha said. ¡°I¡¯m not even sure what I¡¯m doing here in the first ce.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Kaleb strode toward her. ¡°You¡¯re here because we both want to be here. I don¡¯t want you gone, and I feel like I¡¯ll go nuts if you try to do it¡± He hauled her body closer.

    Sharply Sasha inhaled some oxygen upon his embrace, her back against his hard chest She stilled in his arms, feeling the warmth. ¡°Is this how you deal with ire and all other women you fuck around?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t fuck around with just anyone,¡± Kaleb whispered, and then kissed her neck.

    She tilted her head in response.

    ¡°Believe me,¡± he added.

    Liar!

    ¡°Oh, so I should be grateful, right? That the mighty Kaleb Luthor has his dick on me?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡± Kaleb smiled, nuzzling her hair. ¡°Just admit it, Sasha , you don¡¯t want to go anywhere but here?¡± He gripped her softly across the chest with one arm, causing her to stay utterly put.

    ¡°I won¡¯t question your delirium, Kaleb , so you can think however you want,¡± Sasha answered.

    She was striving not to fall for this strong man who had her under his skin. It was an undeniable truth that Kaleb unleashed several feelings in her at once. She was angry, then she was not. She wanted to move, then her body wouldn¡¯t let her. How was she going to escape his web?

    Resting his chin on Sasha¡¯s shoulder, Kaleb¡¯s free hand traveled down her bare thighs, ying with the hem of her shirt fabric, and slowly kissed her earlobe. She flexed, shutting her eyes instantly as her body reacted to his strong, expert fingers.

    ¡°I¡¯m not being delirious. I know you want me, just as I want you, Sasha,¡± he told her.

    ¡°Kaleb, please, just let me leave already,¡± she moaned, her breath heavy. Fuck, she had no pantie! How was she this slutty and reckless in the beast¡¯s cave?

    ¡°Really?¡± Kaleb slid his indecent hand at the apex of her thighs. ¡°Are you scared to give in?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not scared of anything,¡± Sasha breathed, devouring the betrayal of her legs that parted subtly to give him the ess to her precious reserve. ¡°What makes you think I can¡¯t resist you, huh?¡± Her voice was barely a sound.

    ¡°You¡¯re trembling in my arms right now,¡± Kaleb whispered. ¡°And I know you¡¯re so turned on as it shows right here between your beautiful legs. And damn, you¡¯re not wearing anything. Naughty girl.¡± He gilded his finger inside her wet core, smiling proudly.

    She¡¯d been aroused way before his return from the office. Sasha was sure of this upon the lewd thoughts she¡¯d been having while lying in his bed.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. Please, stop this game,¡± she muttered.

    ¡°But you begged me not to stop earlier this afternoon, and you were so obedient,¡± Kaleb said, biting her neck sensually, kissing it, his finger rubbing her sex.

    ¡°Shut up.¡± The heat was rising in her body and she refused to stay still.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you like it? Wanna make a bet that you¡¯ll soon want more?¡± Kaleb continued stroking his finger inside her

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡± she uttered between her breaths, ¡°because I won¡¯t y your game.¡±

    ¡°But we¡¯re ying already,¡± Kaleb tantalized her with the kisses.

    ¡°Kaleb, don¡¯t-¡± she breathed unevenly, and he sped up the pace. ¡°Oh God!¡± She clung onto him, her hand yanking his neck backward.

    ¡°Don¡¯t what, Sasha?¡± He tilted her face from behind. He kissed her lips harder, briefly, and then repeated, ¡°Don¡¯t what? Tell me!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop,¡± she cried, panting soundly, the pleasure immense. ¡°You jerk! I want you. Right now!¡± Briskly, she spun around and pulled his face for a kiss¡­. long and ferocious.

    ¡°Hungry little thing, huh?¡± Kaleb grinned, epting the war, squeezing her butt to his liking, and his mouth was once again dancing with hers. ¡°Fuck,e here!¡± He lifted her onto his shoulder, with one arm, and gently dropped her on the bed.

 54

    ¡°Damn you, asshole!¡± Sasha screamed out gleefully.

    ¡°You fucking drive me crazy, Sasha!¡± He pulled his polo shirt over the head, watching her.

    ¡°And you¡¯re fucking crazy already,¡± Sasha replied while peeling the shirt off, impatiently.

    ¡°We¡¯re both crazy.¡±

    On her knees, she moved toward him.

    Kaleb¡¯s lips twisted into a libidinous grin, pleased by the capriciousness of hers.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You¡¯re perfect,¡± he muttered, appreciating her naked body, everything to his liking. ¡°And foul-mouthed.¡± He stepped out of his pants as he began kissing her all over again.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± she hummed into his mouth, pressing harder onto him. She wasn¡¯t going tost longer, she wanted him, and she knew he wanted her, too. Her hand found his erection, already hard and firm.

    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Kaleb groaned, and both pulled apart, watching one another with desire.

    ¡°This is thest one,¡± Sasha breathed, stroking his length. His hand was rubbing her hair, mouth ajar, eyes married, intoxicated. ¡°You won¡¯t have me again, Kaleb.¡± She bent over to take him into her mouth.

    ¡°No, Sasha. If you do that I¡¯lle in your mouth,¡± he groaned.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t stop you, did I?¡± Sasha uttered defiantly, surprising herself. What was happening with her? She mentally scolded.

    ¡°Fuck, Sasha!¡± Kalebughed nervously, his body trembling at her sensual assault. ¡°I¡¯m definitely fucking your mouth if you keep defying me like that, I¡¯m warning you.¡±

    ¡°I dare you.¡± She kept stroking him, biting her bottom lip coquettishly¡­ deliberately pushing him deeply into the ocean of lust and carnal.

    ¡°Damn you! Suck me, baby!¡± Kaleb¡¯s eyes shone, and Sasha¡¯s grin widened.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    ¡°Sleep here tonight,¡± Kaleb croaked.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Abandoning the warmth of his bare chest, Sasha nced up at him. ¡°Sleep here?¡± Her eyes awoke.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kaleb kissed her hair. ¡°It¡¯ste, it¡¯s raining, it¡¯s cold and I love your warmth.¡±

    Sasha blushed. ¡°Is that the only reason you want me to sleep here?¡± she asked, resuming herfort in his arms, hugged possessively. How she loved feeling his body so near hers, and his naughty hands toying with her hair smoothly, if not her skin every now and then.

    ¡°Maybe I don¡¯t want you away tonight.¡± Kaleb smiled, lying morefortable in the bed, his wide back against the pillows. ¡°You can go back to your room tomorrow and everything can go back to the way it was.¡±

    How convincing! Sasha was amused. Well, it was a tempting offer. It was undeniable that she felt different being here in his bed, and in his arms. It felt serendipitous.

    ¡°I still haven¡¯t forgiven you for ruining my blouse,¡± she said softly, trying to change the topic. Her index finger was childishly trailing the contours of his sculpted chest, from the pecks to the abs, loving every detail. ¡°That was very naughty of you, you know?¡± She pursed her lips at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of that,¡± Kaleb uttered, his voice serious.

    Sasha scowled. ¡°Really now? How? Will you lend me your girlfriend¡¯s clothes?¡± She chuckled despite the intensity of the situation. She¡¯d sumbed to being a whore, so she might as well do it with a clean conscience. What was she doing with her life? She pitied her hormonal-driven self, and yet regret was not in her list.

    ¡°God. You¡¯re so stubborn,¡± Kaleb remarked with a big smile. ¡°Alright, I bought you something. Over there.¡± He pointed at the shopping bags lying on the floor right near the couch.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Sasha¡¯s eyes widened, gleaming cidly. Kaleb nodded. ¡°When did you get them?¡± She lurched out of bed and quested for Kaleb¡¯s polo shirt lying on the rug.

    ¡°Soon after the office,¡± he answered coolly, crossing his hands behind his head.

    ¡°Wow!¡± Sasha was in awe. Partially dressed, she tiptoed towards the bags and sat on the couch. ¡°Let¡¯s see,¡± she muttered, and Kaleb¡¯s face was filled with mirth at her excitement.

    She opened the first bag and revealed a blouse that was almost identical to the torn one. She creased an eyebrow, gazing at Kaleb. He only shrugged. Laughing, she proceeded with the second bag and two pairs of expensive, sexy underweary inside.

    ¡°Really?¡± She lifted a white cottonce thong, chuckling. It was tiny and hollow, utterly sexy and provoking. ¡°This is so you.¡± She grinned at him.

    ¡°Well, I figured you¡¯d look great in it,¡± Kaleb replied, his voice teasing.

    Sasha flushed. ¡°Did you shop yourself?¡± She reached for thest bag, in which was a ck bodycon dress, short and elegant. ¡°Wow, Kaleb! This is gorgeous! How did you guess my size?¡± She stood up quickly to get a proper look.

    ¡°Must I go into details?¡± Kaleb¡¯s smile was pure joy. He looked happy watching her reacting as though it was something big.

    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Sasha bobbed her head.

    Kaleb rolled his eyes. ¡°Alright? I took your torn blouse and asked thedy in the shop for clothes with simr size. And about shopping myself, it¡¯s a yes and no, but no more asking, please.¡±

    ¡°How grumpy!¡± Sasha smiled. ¡°Okay. At least you did something sweet.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re sleeping here with me?¡± Kaleb¡¯s eyes shed expectantly.

    cing the bags properly, Sasha muttered, ¡°Fine. I am, but just for tonight.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Nothing but satisfaction was portrayed in Kaleb¡¯s voice. ¡°Hungry?¡±

    ¡°Famished.¡± Sasha returned to bed.

    ¡°There must be something edible in the fridge,¡± Kaleb muttered thoughtfully. ¡°Let¡¯s go and check, unless you want something specific.¡± He gazed at her.

    ¡°Um, no. Let¡¯s have whatever there is. I don¡¯t want to go out,¡± said Sasha as they got up.

    ¡°I can order for you. It won¡¯t take long,¡± Kaleb replied while picking his pants from the floor.

    Grilled chicken, fruit sd, and yogurt made their dinner. Sasha¡¯s evening turned splendid, and so was her night as she slept with Kaleb by her side. It was a brand new feeling she wasn¡¯t ready to give up, but the reality check was apparently cruel.

    The rm chirped in the morning as a reminder of midnight Cindere back to the pumpkin that was mistaken for a royal carriage. She had to get real, she thought when her eyes met the dark knight in shining armor staring at her. He was already awake.

    ¡°Morning, beautiful,¡± he muttered, smiling softly at her.

    ¡°Morning . . . handsome.¡± She smiled back, and it suddenly hurt seeing him. Being in his bed this morning felt like a momentary sweetness of a chewing gum that was sooning to an end.

    Kaleb frowned at the shift of her mood, holding closer. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sasha?¡± he quizzed.

 55

    What¡¯s wrong was that she was coveting the man who wasn¡¯t hers. She was in a ce that wasn¡¯t rightful hers. She was just a recement for the time being and for one night, and probably the next won¡¯t be hers.

    ¡°Come on, Sasha, talk to me!¡± Kaleb became desperate, holding her face with an apprehensive look. ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep-¡± He stopped when her lips met his.

    She was kissing him, quite unexpected, and he didn¡¯t seem to mind as much as he was taken aback. If it¡¯s thest time having him to herself, then she wanted to feel him once again. Just this once.

    ¡°Hold me,¡± she breathed, and Kaleb¡¯s arms gripped her body tightly as she sat on hisp.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± Kaleb uttered, but he had nothing to say. He was stunned, seemingly in daze by everything she was doing to him, physically and emotionally. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    He pulled up the T-shirt she was wearing.

    ¡°You. All of you.¡± Sasha removed it over her head, staying nude. ¡°Kiss me, Kaleb,¡± she begged, panting heavily, her eyes filled with mixed emotions.

    This was the only way to release herself from the anger and anxiety. It was crazy but it¡¯s the only thing she¡¯d learned recently, thanks to him.

    ¡°Where?¡± Kaleb murmured, smooching her neck, then down her earlobe, and slowly headed to her chest. Sasha moaned, tossing her head aside, weing the arousal. ¡°Tell me, baby. Where do you want me to kiss you?¡± he repeated, imperious.

    ¡°Wherever you want,¡± Sasha said softly, her voice intoxicated.

    ¡°No, I want you to say it. Should I kiss you here?¡± Kaleb pecked her lips, teasing her. ¡°Or here?¡± He trailed her neckline, the kiss wet.

    ¡°Ahh,¡± Sasha breathed heavily, eyes shut at his sweet torture.

    ¡°Or here?¡± Kaleb¡¯s tongue was on her nipple, circling it gently, and then sucked it. She cried softly. ¡°Oh down here?¡± He suddenly swooped her off and her backnded on the bed. He was on top of her, staring down at her. ¡°Where should I kiss you, baby? Say it.¡± His voice was deeper and hoarse, demanding.

    ¡°Everywhere,¡± Sasha muttered, biting her bottom lip.

    ¡°Good girl.¡± Kaleb¡¯s scious grin appeared as he parted her legs impatiently. He leaned over, seizing her thighs deftly. ¡°Beautiful.¡± He panted soundly, grinning diabolically at her.

    Sasha could feel the chill, anticipation overwhelming. ¡°Kaleb. . .¡± she whispered, and his tongue inside her was the immediate response. ¡°Oh fuck!¡± she bawled, clutching the sheets hard, tipping her head back.

    It was swift, deep, his tongue unrelenting. Holding her legs still, strongly, Kaleb began kissing her . . . down there, fast, hungrily, and she cried immensely, with pleasure. He was devouring her femininity, and she was hardly holding her legs.

    ¡°Oh . . . God . . . Kaleb!¡± she cried, her mouth wide open, convulsing.

    ¡°You taste great, baby,¡± Kaleb muttered as he pulled back, still holding her trembling legs. ¡°You can¡¯te yet. I love doing it with you.¡± He sprang his hard erection out of the briefs he was wearing.

    ¡°Please . . . Kaleb.¡± Sasha couldn¡¯t hold it. She wanted him, she craved the release. She was breathing erratically. ¡°Fuck me,¡± she snapped, beseeching at him. ¡°Please. Now. Deep.¡±

    Obeying her wish, Kaleb kissed her swiftly on the lips, and quickly eased his length inside her. She screamed as he filled her, and her legs curled around him, her mouth searching for his.

    ¡°Oh, baby, you feel so good,¡± Kaleb muttered, pouncing gently as he fixed himself. She hugged him, and began kissing again, ferociously. ¡°Oh!¡± he grunted and began pushing faster, harder and deeper.

    Sasha moaned loudly, his pace driving her nuts. It didn¡¯t take a millennium to shatter in his arms, letting the tornado of pleasure take her away. She hugged him tight, and he held her firmly, both relishing the climax of their intense morning sex, oblivious of the time.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    ¡°So how was the paper?¡± Tilly asked Sasha as they walked towards her car. They had both just finished writing their final exams and both felt relieved that it was finally over.

    ¡°It was fine¡± Sasha replied, ¡°I¡¯ve been spending most of my time studying for it and I¡¯m just d to be finally done with it. How about you? Did you do fine?¡±

    Tilly nodded as she unlocked the car and they both got in, ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, ¡°It¡¯s not like I had a choice. If I screwed up, my parents would have been really disappointed. I¡¯m thinking of moving out very soon, you know. Get my own ce and a job¡­ I know they won¡¯t like it, but I¡¯m a big girl now and I have to make my own way in this life,¡±

    Sasha nodded, rubbing her hand on her stomach. Her baby bump was finally starting to show. ¡°That¡¯s a great idea Tilly,¡± she said, ¡°I on the other hand can¡¯t wait for this baby to be born so things can go back to normal,¡±

    Tilly nced at her with a smile on her face, ¡°Sometimes I still can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re going to have a baby, Sasha. It¡¯s such a¡­ GrGrown up thing to do.¡± she said, ¡°How does it feel? I mean¡­ Is it weird?¡±

    Sasha gave her a look, ¡°Do you mean how it feels being pregnant or being pregnant for Kaleb?¡±

    They both chuckled as Tilly began to drive away, ¡°Girl, I don¡¯t even need to ask how that part is going. Living with Kaleb sure can¡¯t be easy,¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Sasha shrugged, ¡°Well, we¡¯ve been getting along fine¡± she said softly with a shy smile on her face, ¡°You know, Tilly when he wants to be, Kaleb can be really sweet,¡±

    Her thoughts must have been very easy to read from her face because Tilly took one look at her and said, ¡°Ew, Sasha, I don¡¯t want to know about what you and Kaleb do within close doors, but as for your earlier question, I meant how pregnancy feels not Kaleb, and besides, I¡¯m going to an aunt. You¡¯re my best friend¡­ Being an aunt to your kid will bring me nothing but joy, ¡±

    Sasha was happy,¡±Thank you, Tilly. That makes me feel really good,¡±

    When Tilly finally arrived at Sasha¡¯s ce, she said, ¡°Can we make up some time to meet up? Kaleb seems to have you all to himself these days and I¡¯m starting to get jealous. Can you guys take a break from all the baby stuff and acknowledge that you have other family and friends?¡±

 56

    ¡°Sure, I can do that. I¡¯m tired of sitting at home all the time anyways. How about tomorrow evening?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow evening is perfect¡± Tilly replied excitedly, ¡°I¡¯lle pick you up by 7,¡±

    ¡°And can I bring Samson?¡± Sasha asked, ¡°He¡¯s been texting for weeks wanting to hangout and I¡¯ve been making so many excuses. Honestly, I miss hanging out with him too,¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°No problem. The more the merrier. I¡¯ll bring Frank too. I think it¡¯s time you met him anyways,¡±

    ¡°Great. See you tomorrow then, said Sasha, as she got out of the car and headed into her apartment.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Tilly and Frank picked Sasha up from her apartment the following evening and Tilly introduced Frank to Sasha. Sasha shook his head and smiled politely at him. He was exactly Tilly¡¯s type. Tall, dark, and handsome.

    ¡°It¡¯s very nice to meet you,¡± she told him, ¡°I¡¯ve heard so much about you,¡±

    Frank grinned, ¡°Is that so?¡± he asked, smiling at Tilly, ¡°Good things I hope¡± he added,

    ¡°Oh definitely good things,¡± Sasha replied, joining in the humor and almostughed as they both watched Tilly roll her eyes.

    ¡°Samson will be waiting for us at the restaurant¡± Sasha informed them.

    They chatted the entire way to the restaurant and Samson was already waiting for them as he¡¯d arrived early, ¡°I¡¯m so happy that we¡¯re hanging out after such a long time, Sasha¡± Samson said gently once they all settled inside the restaurant.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m happy too,¡± Sasha replied with a small smile. ¡°Actually, I should¡¯ve invited you since. I have just been very busy, but I appreciate the fact that you constantly checked up on me. It really means a lot to me.¡±

    ¡°It was no big deal,¡± Samson remarked while grabbing the menu. ¡°What are friends for?¡± He gazed modestly at her.

    ¡°Either way, thank you,¡± Sasha insisted and a small silence stretched between them. The waiter took their order. ¡°So how is work?¡± she finally asked.

    ¡°Good. Things got tough for a while, but we¡¯re bouncing back,¡± Samson said,

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you can manage,¡± Sasha told him. ¡°You¡¯re a tough guy.¡± She meant it.

    A simple conversation followed, apanying their food. It wasn¡¯t actually the first time she and Samson had hung out and shared a meal. But today, it felt strange somehow, and Sasha didn¡¯t know exactly what it was, but she could tell it had something to do with Kaleb.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve eaten too much.¡± Frank said as he stood up, ready to clear the cheque. Tilly said that she¡¯d had enough too and stood up.

    Tilly and Frank had other ns, and Samson suggested that they go ahead, promising Tilly that he¡¯d drive Sasha back home. Sasha agreed to the arrangement and waved Tilly and Frank goodbye.

    ¡°Wow,¡± said Sasha after Tilly and Frank left, chuckling at the memory of herst dinner with Kaleb and the way he teased about her big appetite. ¡°I didn¡¯t know there¡¯s such a nice restaurant around this area. Thanks for rmending it. It¡¯s officially my new spot.¡±

    ¡°My pleasure.¡± Samson grinned and excused himself to use the restroom.

    A deep breath escaped Sasha as she sipped her chocte milkshake and waited for him. She was suddenly nostalgic. She found herself thinking about Kaleb. It had been weeks since thest time they had sex, and neither of them had tried to bring it up. They talked about the baby, spent some time together, but there was always that sexual tension between them. Kaleb had made no attempt to touch her again since she insisted that she wanted thatst time to be theirst time. It was supposed to be a relief but why was it not the case? Why was she missing him? She immediately snapped out of it, denying the possibility.

    Idle and confused, she wandered her gaze around the ce in quest for nothing in particr. It was just a in restaurant but the food was amazing. Lost in that, her eyes suddenly met someone unexpected at the entrance.

    It was ire.

    She was in thepany of twodies with simr fashion sense as hers.

    Her smile was radiant as they made their way towards an empty table right across Sasha¡¯s. ire¡¯s gaze darkened fast when her eyes met Sasha¡¯s, showing some hidden irritation.

    However, she granted great civility to Sasha by marching towards her. ¡°Hello, there,¡± she greeted with a smile.

    It was impossible for Sasha to determine whether that smile was real or stic, but it didn¡¯t matter. It was evident they each couldn¡¯t stand the other, and the reason was almost clear by now. At least for Sasha it was.

    ¡°Oh, hi.¡± She returned the smile, brightly. ¡°Small world I see,¡± she added, masking her simr distaste towards ire.

    ¡°I agree,¡± remarked ire. ¡°Such a crazy coincidence to run into you here. It seems like we share the same taste in everything.¡± Her voice was sardonic.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Sasha uttered. ¡°But it could be one or two-it can¡¯t be everything.¡±

    ¡°I hope so.¡± ire smiled, creasing a sly eyebrow. ¡°Because it so happens that I hate sharing,¡± she said crossly, clearly sending a threat.

    Or a warning? Sasha couldn¡¯t tell.

    ¡°Well, good luck on that. At least we can still share the restaurant, no?¡± she graced her a shameless nce, caring so little that she fucked her man just weeks ago. She was just going to kneel down and ask God for forgiveness for this. But not now, she thought inwardly.

    ¡°The restaurant?¡± ire muttered, smirking. ¡°Oh, yes, it¡¯s a great ce.¡±

    ¡°And I don¡¯t live very far away from here,¡± Sasha reminded her, ¡°so it¡¯s not really a coincidence now, is it?¡± She shrugged.

    ¡°Right, I forgot that you have lived so long in this city. Obviously you muste here a lot,¡± said ire and at the same time Samson found his way back, cutting their banter.

    ¡°I see you havepany.¡±  He said.

    She nced at Samson.

    ¡°Indeed I have,¡± Sasha replied coolly, trying to keep her voice in control.

    ¡°Am I interrupting?¡± Samson asked, standing behind Sasha, and across from ire , who looked a little amused at the sight of the two together.

    ¡°Not at all. I was only saying hi to Sasha,¡± ire said, her smile barely touching her lips. ¡°It¡¯s me who seems to be interrupting here, I guess.¡± Her eyes shone.

 57

    Frowning, Samson stared quizzically between the twodies. Something wasn¡¯t right, he probably thought. However, he seemed to have absolutely no idea on what was going on.

    ¡°Well, too bad. I¡¯d love to continue chatting but we need to go home.¡± Sasha stood up, fixing the big, ck  shirt she was wearing. She liked it because it hid her growing bump pretty well.

    ¡°Home?¡± ire flushed.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I said.¡± Sasha huffed a smallugh, imagining the ideas lurching in ire¡¯s mind as though she lived in it. Perhaps Samson had be her lover in the her psyche. How silly!

    ¡°Sure, that¡¯s no problem with me.¡± ire smiled. ¡°We can always finish where we stopped, Sasha. Good evening to you both.¡±

    Where they stopped? What was the meaning of that? Sasha was alerted.

    ¡°Good evening to you, too,¡± she replied and ire left with a curt nod.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± Samson asked softly. Sasha nodded and both made an exit.

    Outside Sasha exhaled heavily as though she¡¯d been holding her breath forever. Her heart was racing in her chest, guilt-charged. How could she talk to ire like that? She walked pensively towards Samson¡¯s car, pondering. Really she had turned into a bitch.

    But was she going to give up on Kaleb? No, she was supposed to have let him go him by now! Chaos invaded her heart and brain, waging war. ire¡¯s tone of voice was full of sarcasm earlier. She was being nasty without being vulgar. Could it be that she knew about Kaleb and her?

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Samson asked, derailing her training of thoughts.

    ¡°Huh?¡± she gasped.

    Samson narrowed his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m asking if you¡¯re okay, because you look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost,¡± he repeated,ughing indulgently.

    God! Now she was being obvious, wasn¡¯t she? ¡°Oh, yeah, I am okay.¡± Her smile was elusive.¡± They both hopped in and the ridemenced.

    ¡°Who was thatdy earlier? You two seemed to know each other, but then you looked like enemies,¡± Samson, who had been silent the entire time in contemtion, finally spoke.

    Sasha giggled at that, amused despite the trouble she was in. ¡°Why would you think we¡¯re enemies?¡± she asked, ncing at him.

    Samson shrugged, his expression soft. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just sensed some kind of . . . tension?¡± he remarked, and

    Sasha winced. He chuckled. ¡°Well, I feel like I¡¯ve seen her before. Who is she?¡±

    ¡°I think you have,¡± Sasha answered, reclining back in her seat with a sigh. ¡°Her name is ire. She works with Kaleb as a director or something? I don¡¯t know.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Oh,¡± Samson muttered thoughtfully.

    ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯ve only met her recently,¡± Sasha said vaguely.

    ¡°And yet you two looked like rivals?¡± Samson grinned.

    ¡°Oh please,¡± said Sasha, flushing. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you saw to think that way, but I assure you it¡¯s not. Why would we be?¡±

    Because she was sleeping with her man? Her subconscious wasn¡¯t dumb not to remind her.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Samson called it off and another moment of silence took ce until they pulled into a traffic jam.

    ¡°Do you have a girlfriend, Samson?¡± Sasha suddenly asked him.

    He looked startled. ¡°Um, no. I had one a year ago though, but things weren¡¯t working out so we broke up. What about you?¡± he asked with a smile.

    ¡°Me?¡± Sasha chucked ridiculously. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have one. I mean, I don¡¯t have one,¡± she said.

    What aplex life she had! She mentallyughed at herself.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡± Samsonughed briefly. ¡°You sound like you¡¯re not sure or something. Is it aplicated kind of rtionship? Because I know such things exist.¡± He was ingenuous about it.

    Perhaps a sex partner, Sasha thought, and his name was Kaleb.

    ¡°It¡¯s notplicated, I just don¡¯t have one.¡± She decided to be subtle.

    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± Samson murmured under his breath. ¡°Are all the guys in your life blind or something?¡±

    ¡°Samson!¡± Sasha eximed, and heughed hard. ¡°You¡¯re one of the guys in my life, Samson¡±

    ¡°Yeah I know¡± he replied, ¡°And I¡¯m not blind. I¡¯ve been wanting to ask you out on a date for sometime but I guess I didn¡¯t have the guts,¡±

    Sasha looked stunned, and Samson chuckled, but he continued speaking, ¡°I would have done that some months ago¡­ At Kaleb¡¯s party, but then I saw the both of you together and¡­. Ermmm¡­ It looked like something was going on¡­ So I backed off¡­ Stupid move, I know but you looked so¡­ Into him that I felt like I didn¡¯t have a chance,¡±

    Sasha was stunned. She had never imagined that Samson liked her that way. Guess Kaleb was right, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry, Samson. I had no idea¡± she said.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Sasha, don¡¯t get me wrong,¡± he told her. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± His voice was serious.

    ¡°Sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Trust me, I am. You¡¯re smart, you¡¯re beautiful and most of all . . . you¡¯re kind. Any reasonable man would want to have you and Kaleb should know he¡¯s lucky to have you,¡± He smiled softly.

    ¡°I¡¯m ttered, I guess,¡± Sasha uttered, recalling simr wordsing from Kaleb. She was definitely missing him. Unbidden, the day she kissed Kaleb for the first time shed in her mind. Would things be different if she¡¯d controlled her hormones that evening? She wondered, imagining her previous life before things got out of hand with him.

    ¡°I guess since you know all that¡­ You also know that I¡¯m¡­.¡±

    ¡°Pregnant?¡± Samsonpleted for her with a smile, ¡°Yeah I know. I know that¡¯s the reason why you¡¯re putting on that big ass shirt, and now that I think about thatdy at the restaurant, I¡¯m thinking the tension between the both of you had something to do with Kaleb?¡±

    Sasha buried her face in her hands. She could hear Samson chuckling beside her.

    ¡°Rx, Sasha¡± said Samson when she lifted her head again, ¡°I¡¯m very happy for you¡­ And Kaleb.¡±

    Sasha returned his smile, ¡°Thank you¡± she replied softly.

    Atst they arrived at her home. Sasha said goodbye to Samson with a hug. She intended to rush into her room for a warm and rxing bath. It¡¯d been one hell of a mental exhaustion for a day, especially after seeing ire at the restaurant.

    Samson drove away and she headed to the front door of her apartment. As she tried to push the key into lock, the door opened from inside.  Kaleb stood in front of her¡­ An angry look on his face.

    ¡°Where the hell have you been?¡± he asked her.

 58

    ¡°Ka-Kaleb?¡± Sasha gasped as she looked up at him, startled. Her eyes squinted in bemusement. Was this real or was he ying her tricks? She couldn¡¯t help but wonder. But seeing that arrogant look, mingled with something like anger on the face of the man standing before her eyes, Sasha grasped immediately that he was indeed very serious.

    But what the fuck was he doing? She gulped, her eyes bored deeply into his. He was devouring her alive, despite the displeasure in his perilous gaze. His eyes were openly scrutinizing her and his lips twisted in a confusing fashion.

    ¡°Hi, Kaleb,¡± Sasha greeted him.

    ¡°Where the hell have been? And didn¡¯t you see my calls?¡± Kaleb asked, ignoring her astounded look.

    ¡°Will you at least move out of my way so I cane in?¡± Sasha said curtly.

    His usual insolent smile was back on track, his eyes gleaming. ¡°Sure¡± he said, and moved backwards so she coulde in.

    ¡°Kaleb, what are you doing?¡± Sasha demanded quietly. ¡°Am I supposed to take permission from you before I leave the house or-¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to piss me any more than you already have, do you, Sasha?¡± Kaleb whispered softly into her ear. She shuddered. ¡°I¡¯m fucked with anger right now so It wouldn¡¯t take much to push me¡±

    Anger? Over what? Sasha red at him with a crunchy face and a soft breath escaped her lungs. ¡°I¡¯m going to my room, Kaleb. Don¡¯t be a dick tonight!¡± Sasha murmured to his face and walked past him. Unfortunately he followed her. He was right behind her as they headed to her room. He caught her by the waist before she could open the door and held her possessively against him.

    Sasha was mad at him, but she couldn¡¯t deny that she loved it. ¡°I saw Samson drop you off, and yet everytime I ask about him, you deny that there¡¯s anything between you. You enjoy these lustful stares you get from him, don¡¯t you?¡± Kaleb used.

    ¡°I¡¯m not answering that because you¡¯re twisted,¡± Sasha replied. She pped his arm away before she got carried away my his touch. ¡°I have plenty of questions right now,¡± she muttered as she stood before him. ¡°But I¡¯ll only ask one.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Kaleb replied coolly, his eyes narrowed down at her.From N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Meaning of what?¡± He scowled.

    ¡°Stop ying dumb with me, Kaleb! I¡¯m talking about you trying so hard to ruin my night. I don¡¯t understand you. What¡¯s the meaning of all this? Why are you doing this?¡±

    ¡°I also have a good reason.¡± Kaleb said.

    ¡°And what is it?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± he said pointedly, and suddenly his face darkened. ¡°Why were you out with Samson and flirting with him?¡±

    ¡°Excuse me!¡± Sasha eximed. ¡°I didn¡¯t go out with just Samson. Tilly and Frank were with us. He just drove me home. I wasn¡¯t flirting with him either! And even if that was the case, it has nothing to do with you now, does it?¡± She pounced on him, her chest touching his.

    ¡°Oh it surely does!¡± Samson muttered between gritted teeth ¡°Everything about you, Sasha, matters to me. Do you get it? You¡¯re carrying my baby, Sasha. Wherever you go, my baby goes too, so you better be sure that where you go and what you do matters a lot to me. Do you understand?¡± He gripped her waist tightly, pulled her closer to him, his face angered.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t get it,¡± Sasha objected, panting, stirred by his tight hold. ¡°I thought we¡¯re done with the shit, Kaleb-when you decided to go mute for weeks since we¡­. Since we¡± she couldn¡¯t finish her sentence without feeling embarrassed.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Kaleb smirked, amused.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sasha breathed. ¡°I know that¡¯s what I said I wanted. I thought it was over between us, and I was relieved that atst everything was going to be back to normal¡­. or whatever normal is with a situation like ours¡­ But guess what, it¡¯s not. You are still here¡­. Messing with my life, you jerk! Do you enjoy it? Do you like this-¡±

    She was rambling, and Kaleb silenced her with a kiss, stoutly taking control of her psyche. She grumbled, holding his shoulders for support as he squeezed her back tightly, paying no attention to anything else. His lips, as always, were demanding of her mouth, twirling and swirling his tongue with hers, deeply, restlessly, both fighting for dominance. How she had missed him! Sasha couldn¡¯t deny this fact, and she felt conned when he pulled back, leaving her wanton.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought either,¡± Kaleb said, panting the same way she did. ¡°But it all changed when I saw youing home with Samson. I was getting worried when you weren¡¯t picking your calls, only for me to look out the window and see you¡­ Hugging or whatever the fuck was going on in there. I hate it when you¡¯re with him, or any other man for that matter,¡±

    He trailed his impetuous eyes down body. Sasha scowled at that. She wasn¡¯t even wearing anything revealing. What was with him? Was he jealous? She smiled. For some stupid reasons this simple fact brought Sasha a grand felicity. She was touched.

    They were both silent then. Just stood there staring at each other, until Kaleb uttered hoarsely. ¡°I have missed you. You are always on mind,¡± he added, and nothing but sincerityced his now calm voice.

    Sasha could feel the butterflies fluttering their wings in her stomach.

    ¡°If you did, then why didn¡¯t you do anything about it?¡± she asked him with a perfect indifference.

    Kaleb smiled gently. ¡°Because I wanted to do as you want. I wanted to leave you alone. Stay out of your way.¡±

    ¡°And then what changed tonight?¡± Sasha returned, her gaze tentative.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Kaleb sighed, tipping his head exhaustively. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re too irresistible to be left alone.¡± His smile was pure provocation.

    The heat rose into Sasha¡¯s body, her core aroused by his voice alone, but then she remembered ire and reminded herself that she was living in fairy talend. ¡°I met your girlfriend tonight,¡± she told him, unable to hide the feeling of difort at the remembrance of her encounter with ire. ¡°She knows about us¡­ What exactly did you tell her about our¡­ Situation?¡±

 59

    Kaleb¡¯s face didn¡¯t flex. He ignored her question. ¡°What did she say to you?¡± he quizzed.

    Sasha took a deep breath, ¡°It¡¯s not even important, Kaleb. Whatever she said doesn¡¯t seem to cure my illness, my stupidity, and you¡¯re the reason for everything,¡± she muttered in a low, defeated voice.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    She shut her eyes as she felt him ce a soft kiss on top of her head. Was she ever going to stop melting in his arms? Wanting him to hold her tight? Desiring more of him each time? She couldn¡¯t tell as she loved all of him. She suddenly realized how crazy her feelings were growing for this crazy man beside her. She didn¡¯t want to go away from him. How could she when all she needed was feeling him deep inside her?

    ¡°Alright, Sasha. You should go to bed and rest,¡± Kaleb said calmly.

    For once Sasha wished for Kaleb to beg her to stay. She hoped that he¡¯d at least force her, as he usually did, but he did not do as such. Staring at each other, they remained silent. No one spoke for almost a minute.

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for ire,¡± Kaleb uttered out of the blue, ¡°would things be different between us?¡±

    Would they? Sasha wondered. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m certainly sure that you¡¯re not the type of man I dreamed of,¡± she answered.

    Kaleb frowned. ¡°And who is your type? Samson?¡± His tone was using.

    ¡°What¡¯s with you and Samson? Are you jealous of him?¡± Sasha chuckled.

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Kaleb groaned dismissively.

    Sasha chuckled again. ¡°But then again, why not? He may not be that handsome, but he still looks good enough. He¡¯s charming, he does make me smile most of the time, and he¡¯s single.¡±

    ¡°I swear if you continue talking that way about him, I¡¯m going to ask him to stay away from you!¡± Kaleb snapped quietly, his voice menacing.

    ¡°What? Are you crazy?¡± Sashaughed aloud. ¡°Why would you do that just because you don¡¯t like how I talk about him?¡± she blurted.

    ¡°Because I can,¡± Kaleb replied nkly. ¡°And I thought by now you¡¯ve already confirmed that I¡¯m crazy and capable of doing just that.¡±

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t do that,¡± Sasha argued.

    Could he?

    ¡°Oh yes I can, Sasha. Try me,¡± Kaleb replied.

    ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re just bluffing, Kaleb Luthor!¡± She bit her bottom lip.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try me, Sasha . I¡¯m not as good as you want to believe.¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re bad-so very bad. But I also know you¡¯re good,¡± Sasha said softly, and her words seemed to deepen into Kaleb¡¯s heart. His eyes shone amorously.

    ¡°You really love trouble,¡± he muttered, smiling indulgently while stroking her hair.

    She smiled ditto, then she said, ¡°Look Kaleb, it doesn¡¯t matter if things would be different if ire was in the picture. What matters right now is that she is, and we should¡­ I mean¡­ I should face that reality. So I think we shouldn¡¯t focus on anything else but our child, and when the babyes, things will go back to normal while we try to co-parent as well and as peacefully as we can. Good night, Kaleb,¡± she added, then slipped into her room before he could think of a reply.

    ¡ª-________

    ¡°So what do you want to do tonight, sugar?¡±

    Sasha looked up from her tapestry as Kaleb breezed into the sitting room. She was embroidering a snow-white goose with a big blue ribbon around its neck. For the baby. She¡¯d never thought she would be the kind of person to enjoy precision sewing, but to her surprise she not only loved it, but was good at it, too. It was the perfect upation for someone who wanted to be doing something but wasn¡¯t allowed to move much! And as the pregnancy progressed, she found out that it wasn¡¯t getting easier to move around. She gave a dreamy sort of smile as she gazed up at him. ¡°Shall we y cards?¡±

    Kaleb pulled a face, and moved around the room restlessly. ¡°I¡¯m bored with cards.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just fed up with losing!¡±

    ¡°I only let you win because of your delicate condition!¡±

    ¡°Of course you do!¡± Sasha bit back a smile. ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t feel in the least bit delicate at the moment.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± He ran his eyes over her. ¡°You don¡¯t look it, either. You look as healthy as an-¡±

    ¡°Ox?¡± she supplied drily.

    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t have been my first word of choice, no.¡±

    ¡°How about-like a barrage balloon?¡±

    He considered this, relishing the invitation for him to look at her properly. Normally he had to do it when she wasn¡¯t aware he was watching her. Like when she was asleep. And at almost six months into her pregnancy she was sleeping a lot. Then he would feast his eyes on her burgeoning figure with a mixture of pride and lust. Especially lust.

    He¡¯d always found Sasha sexually attractive, but it hade as a revtion for him to discover that he found her just as desirable when she was almost full-term with the baby.

    Almost as big a revtion as discovering that he could reign in his sexual desire for her when he needed to. It hadn¡¯t been easy, but over the past few weeks-somehow-he¡¯d kept the pleasurable, persistent ache of longing well hidden from her.

    ¡°Er, no.¡± He swallowed. ¡°You don¡¯t look like a barrage balloon, either.¡±

    ¡°What then do I look like?¡± It was that slumberous little side nce that yed such havoc with hisposure!

    ¡°Just stop ying the tease, will you, Sasha?¡± he growled. ¡°Or you might find you get more than you bargained for!¡±

    Sasha looked up at him thoughtfully as she leaned back against the bank of cushions, thinking how disgustingly healthy and vibrant and sexy he looked in a charcoal sweater and dark cords. But he looked distinctly grumpy, too-and just when she had thought that things between them were ticking along so beautifully.

    It was the month of December, and In one corner of the room over by the window stood the Christmas tree which Kaleb had dressed the day before-although she had masterminded all decorations from her almost permanent position on the sofa!

    It was hard to believe that he had been sharing her apartment for months-yet he had slotted into her life as though he had been born for just that purpose.

 60

    What was even harder to believe was that their baby would be born in three months time. But Sasha wasn¡¯t scared; she just wanted the waiting to be over.

    ¡°You¡¯re very jittery tonight,¡± she observed, in that calm, almost sleepy manner which seemed to be part and parcel of being pregnant.

    ¡°Yeah, well.¡± He scowled.

    ¡°Well, what?¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    ¡°Kaleb,¡± she said patiently. ¡°You can¡¯te out with elusive little snippets like that and then not exin yourself. What¡¯s troubling you?¡±

    He studied her carefully. ¡°You are-or rather, your attitude is.¡±

    ¡°Oh? You don¡¯t like the way I overrode your opinion on the tinsel?¡± she suggested lightly, looking in the direction of the Christmas tree, because anything was better than meeting that sizzling dark stare which was making her feel all mushy inside. ¡°Or do you think we¡¯ve gone over the top with the angel hair?¡±

    ¡°Hell, Sasha!¡± he exploded. ¡°That illustrates my point exactly!¡±

    ¡°What does?¡±

    ¡°You take things so lightly.¡±

    She did meet his gaze then, and her expression was fierce. ¡°Are you suggesting that I¡¯m not taking this pregnancy seriously?¡±

    ¡°Yes! No! Oh, I don¡¯t know!¡±

    ¡°Tell me,¡± she coaxed.From N?velDrama.Org.

    He ran his hand distractedly through the ruffled dark hair and flopped down onto a chair. ¡°Physically, you¡¯re doing everything the doctors and the midwife tell you-¡±

    Sounds like there¡¯s a ¡±but¡±ing,¡¯ observed Sasha drily.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t know anything about your mental state!¡±

    Sasha blinked. ¡°You think I¡¯m crazy-is that it?¡±

    ¡®Sasha!¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s what it sounded like!¡±

    ¡°You never tell me about your worries!¡± he said stubbornly. ¡°Your doubts, your fears, your uncertainties!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re assuming I¡¯ve got some?¡±

    ¡°I know you have.¡±

    Sasha looked at him steadily. ¡°Oh? How?¡±

    ¡°Remember September?¡± he asked.

    ¡°That was months ago!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need a speaking calendar! I know when it was,¡± he told her waspishly. ¡°Remember we were walking back from the restaurant and you saw that whole bunch of schoolchildren?¡±

    The children had been noisy andughing and wearing uniforms which had looked much too big for them.

    ¡°Yes. I remember. What about it?¡±

    ¡°And you went all quiet, didn¡¯t you? I saw you looking at one child in particr.¡±

    A child with eyes that had reminded her so much of his eyes. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°And I knew you were trying to imagine our child going to school like that-¡±

    ¡°Only I couldn¡¯t,¡± she put in quietly. ¡°It seemed too far in the future. Too impossible to imagine. Anyway¡­¡± She smoothed her hand down over her swollen belly. ¡°While I¡¯m ttered that you noticed my reaction, that was three months ago. Why did it take you so long to get around to asking me, Kaleb?¡±

    He gave a sigh. ¡°Because when the doctor told you to take it easy, I sort of assumed that meant pushing the more awkward issues to one side. I didn¡¯t want it toe over as a criticism of you.¡±

    ¡°And wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Not at all. Surely it¡¯s only healthy to be aware of the difficulties which lie ahead of us? If you thought that everything was going to be one hundred percent perfect for one hundred percent of the time, then I would be worried. Because that would be unrealistic.¡±There was a brief pause, and his eyes took on an almost luminous intensity.¡± Any regrets, Sasha?¡±

    She went very still.¡± Have you?¡±

    He gave a faint smile.¡± That isn¡¯t fair.¡±

    ¡°Tell me what is fair.¡± She smiled, but the question in her eyes did not go away.

    Kaleb hesitated. Analyzing how he felt still seemed pretty alien to him-but he owed Sasha the truth. Hell, he owed her a lot more than that, but truth came pretty high up the list.¡±I did have a few regrets,¡± he admitted. ¡°Right at the beginning.¡±

    Sasha nodded, respecting the honesty whichy behind his answer and realizing how much simpler it would have been for him to have lied to her. ¡°But not any more?¡±

    He shook his head.¡± Now I just want it to happen. Sometimes it seems as though it never will. And sometimes I try to imagine what things will be like when the baby arrives, but I just can¡¯t. It¡¯s too big.¡± He stretched his legs out and gave her azy smile. ¡°But then I could never have imagined living with you, like this-¡±

    ¡°And finding it tolerable?¡± she questioned casually.

    ¡°Finding it more than tolerable!¡± he teased. ¡°Finding that I like it very much.¡±

    Apart from the fact that right now, sexually she was off-limits, of course. And he wouldn¡¯t dream of telling her that. His face grew serious. ¡°I just want more than anything for the two of you to be safe and healthy.¡±

    Sasha nodded. ¡°I know you do.¡± With her finger she traced a line around the circumference of her bump. ¡°It¡¯s funny-we¡¯ve been to all the sses and read all the books; I¡¯ve eaten the right things and done everything I¡¯ve been told to-but there¡¯s still this great sense of uncertainty-of leaping into the unknown. That is scary-but then, life is scary sometimes.¡±

    He nodded, finding the sight of her swollen body unbearably moving. He thought how brave she had been. She¡¯d neverined of tiredness, or of losing her figure as he knew so many women did.¡± Whatever happens between us, Sasha,¡± he said suddenly,¡± we have to make things work for the baby¡¯s sake.¡±

    It sounded awfully as if he was preparing her for the inevitable-and in Sasha¡¯s eyes the inevitable was that Kaleb would move out as soon as the baby was born. He¡¯d go back to be with ire. And that she would only see him when he came round to collect the child. She pushed the image away. ¡°Yes,¡± she agreed. ¡°I know we do.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be the best parents we can be to our baby,¡± he added.

    Her smile wasn¡¯t as steady as she would have liked, but that wasn¡¯t really surprising when he said our baby like that. It was such an emotional phrase to use. He saw her look of uncertainty and wanted to take her in his arms there and then, but he was terrified that she would misinterpret the gesture. And besides, he wasn¡¯t sure that he trusted himself to.

 61

    Self-control was one thing, but the strain of being so close to her and not being permitted toy a finger on her was beginning to tell. He didn¡¯t know how she did it, but her inbuilt sensuality seemed to have grown along with the baby- and he would defy any normal, red-blooded male not to have felt the same as he did.

    Not that they had been doing anything likely to fan the mes of passion-quite the opposite, in fact. They spent longzy evenings and weekends together. Kaleb cooked and Sasha continued to eat enough for two- sometimes three. They yed cards and watched television -though the channel was swiftly changed if there was anything on it which was even remotely connected to sex.

    They read books-sometimes they even read the same books and then they discussed them afterwards.

    Sometimes the discussions were amicable, when they agreed on something. More often than not they could only have been described as ¡®heated¡¯.

    And heated was also the only way he could describe the way she left him feeling most evenings when she demurely went to bed-at some unholy hour. Sometimes as early as nine o¡¯clock! He would try to concentrate on something other than how soft and pale and beautiful and lonely she must be feeling, upstairs underneath that snowy-white duvet. While he sat alone, mocked by memories.

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asked her, with a gentle smile.

    ¡°Not really.¡± Shey back against the cushions and sped her hands over her belly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel as if there¡¯s very much room in there tonight. Certainly not for food. Ouch!¡±

    Kaleb brightened. ¡°Baby moving?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Baby making an attempt on prenatal kick-boxing championship, more like!¡±

    ¡°Can I feel?¡±

    There was barely a flicker of hesitation before she said, ¡°Of course.¡± She had never said no to him before, but then he hardly ever asked, even though she sensed he was dying to feel his child moving. She suspected that he found it just as difficult and distracting as she did. She sat up a little straighter and shifted up the sofa to make way for him, dreading the feel of his warm hand on her belly. Well, not dreading it so much as wondering whether she would manage to sit through it without wriggling-but then it was such an intimate thing to do, when you thought about it.

    He nestled up close and gently put the t of his hand down on her belly, and almost immediately the baby aimed a healthy kick at it.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± He retracted the hand in mock-pain. ¡°I can see what you mean! Sasha, it must hurt like hell.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t. It¡¯s a funny, fantastic feeling. I can¡¯t really describe it.¡±

    ¡°Damn¡± he eximed, and bent his dark head to study the bump intently. ¡°This is¡­ I ¡­ mean¡­ What your body is doing is just amazing!¡± he sounded as excited as a little boy whose favorite team had just won the league!

    Sasha smiled. He put his hand back over her umbilicus and just let it rest there, then turned his head to look at her.¡± Do you think it¡¯s a boy?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she nodded. ¡°Or a girl!¡±

    ¡°Sasha!¡±

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± she teased.From N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Do you wish we¡¯d found out?¡± he asked.

    During one of her routine scans they had been asked whether they wished to know the sex of their child, and they had looked at one another and shaken their heads at exactly the same time and said, ¡°No thanks.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t,¡± said Sasha. ¡°I want there to be a nice surprise at the end of all thatbor!¡±

    His heart leapt with anxiety. ¡°I wish I could do it all for you, sugar.¡±

    ¡°Well, you can¡¯t. You¡¯re not biologically programmed to!¡± She snuggled backfortably against the cushions. ¡°But it¡¯s sweet of you to say so.¡±

    He wondered if she was as aware as he was that his fingers were within touching distance of her breasts, which had been growing bigger by the day. He ached to touch them.

    She was wearing a maternity dress that he had bought for her in London. He had traveled up for a meeting- very reluctantly-and only after making water-tight arrangements ensuring that Sasha would be well looked after. He had been heading for the Tube, walking down one of those fancy streets in the center of the city, when he had seen the maternity shop.

    He had wandered in without really knowing what he wanted. If anything. But there had been several very helpful sales assistants who had fussed around him as if he were the first father since the world began. They¡¯d asked what color hair Sasha had. And what color eyes. And they¡¯dplimented him on his descriptive powers, iming that most men didn¡¯t have a clue what color their wives¡¯ eyes were! And he hadn¡¯t corrected them.

    He had ended up buying a knee-length velvet dress- the pale green color of a new leaf, expensive and highly impractical. It was fitted on the bust, from where it fell in softly draped folds to just above the knee, showing off her magnificent legs. He thought it made her look like some contemporary Grecian goddess.

    ¡°That dress looks wonderful,¡± he said in a throaty voice.

    ¡°Does it?¡±

    ¡°Mmm. You look like a green bud, about to burst into leaf.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s far too good to be wearing around the house like this, but I keep thinking that there are only three months to go-so I¡¯d better get as much wear as I can from it.¡±

    ¡°Mmm,¡± he said again, hardly hearing a word she said, aware only of his child growing deep inside her. Sasha realized that his hand was still lying over her stomach, and she would have moved except that he seemed so content like that, and to be truthful-she liked it. She felt safe. Protected.

    Kaleb held his breath. He had been expecting her to shift ufortably away from him, but he felt no resistance-not even passive resistance. Through the soft green material of her dress he could feel the baby-not belting its limbs around any more, but obviously just squirming around happily.

    Sasha rxed. Why not just lie back and enjoy what was a perfectly rxed and conventional pose between two parents-to-be? Okay-they might be not be the most conventional couple in the world, but so what?

 62

    She liked the gentle pressure of his hand. In fact she felt sofortable that she might even think about resting her head on his shoulder. And why not? They had already agreed that he would be present at the birth- and you couldn¡¯t get more intimate than that.

    Kaleb¡¯s pulse rocketed as he felt her rx against him. It was pitiful! Laughable, really-that such a small crumb of affection should bring him such pleasure. And even moreughable that he should suddenly feel like aplete novice. Nothing is happening, he told himself. All she¡¯s doing is resting her head on your shoulder!

    Sasha closed her eyes and felt herself drifting into a ce somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. Where sight and sound retreated to a distant ce, and where sensation overwhelmed everything else. She could feel the weight of the baby, and its asional bubbling little movements. She snuggled into the hard contour of Kaleb¡¯s shoulder, and felt the firm flesh and the whispering of silk as his shirt brushed against her cheek. She sighed.

    Unable to resist any longer, Kaleb let his thumb brush lightly against the base of her swollen breast, and held his breath while he waited for her reaction. But she just sighed again.

    This time the touch of his thumb was more deliberate, and this time the breath which escaped her sounded deliciously dreamy. He grew bolder. Drew slow, light circles round and round the nipple until he felt her moving impatiently beneath him, making a protesting little cry.

    ¡°Sasha?¡± he said softly.

    She opened her eyes to find him watching her. ¡°Mmm?¡±

    ¡°Did I wake you?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asleep.

    ¡°Were you pretending to be?¡± he asked suddenly.

    She feltzy andfortable, the blood pulsing through her veins like honey. ¡°Yes. Naughty of me, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Why bother pretending?¡±

    The baby was impeding her ability to shrug. ¡°I suppose I thought that if I pretended, then I could just lie back and enjoy what you were doing. Without having to question whether I should be letting you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t feel guilty,¡± he urged.

    ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to say that. Men don¡¯t seem to have the same hang-ups about sex¡­ as women.¡± She had very nearly said sex without love.

    ¡°Don¡¯t have hang-ups. Just enjoy it.¡±

    ¡°Mmm.¡± She was keeping her eyes open only with the greatest of concentration. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Kaleb? I¡¯ve never seen you looking so edgy before.¡±

    Because he had spent days and nights under her roof in a state of near-permanent excitement, while he behaved in the most decent way he knew how. Knowing that he couldn¡¯t-no, mustn¡¯t go near her because she¡¯d made it clear to him that she didn¡¯t want him to. If it had been anyone else he might have tried, but not Sasha. Not after the urgent way they always fell into bed.

    It was just that the thought that maybe she¡¯d wanted him to do this to her all along was nearly driving him out of his head with excitement. ¡°I thought you were about to leap up and p me around the face.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I could leap anywhere at the moment,¡± she said drily.

    ¡°Oh.¡± He recognised the husky note in her voice. She wanted him to carry on-he would have staked everything he owned on that. ¡°Well, maybe I should just continue with what I was doing,¡± he said thickly. ¡°Who knows? It might even send you to sleep.¡±

    ¡°I suppose it might,¡± she agreed unconvincingly, and shey back and closed her eyes again.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    He was almost frightened to begin, for fear that he would never be able to stop. And he must be able to stop. The slightest hint of resistance or second thoughts on Sasha¡¯s part and he would put an end to it without her having to utter a word.

    His whole hand cupped her breast while the thumb began to tease the swollen, tightened center. He watched the unconscious way her bodymunicated its pleasure to him. Her lips were parted and her breath beginning to quicken. He watched the way her head tipped back, as if its weight was too great a burden for the pale column of her neck and that great heavy rope of hair hanging down her back. He noticed the slow unfurling of her fingers, like petals warming to the sun. And he knew that if her eyes were open the pupils would be huge and ck and dted.

    He idly changed the direction of his thumb and heard her purr with pleasure in response, and it was only then that he bent his head and began to kiss her.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she sighed with longing against his mouth. She just couldn¡¯t stop herself. Only a self-deluding fool would im that she hadn¡¯t wanted him to do this for days. Weeks, even.

    He smiled into her lips. ¡°I could kiss you all night.¡±

    Her eyes flickered open. ¡°I might even let you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± he murmured.

    ¡°Mmm. Really.¡± Sasha had thought that he would immediately start removing her clothes, but he didn¡¯t. Instead, his hand went to the band which was tied tightly around her ited hair, and he pulled it free. Unraveled the emerald velvet ribbon woven into the strands until her hair hung in crude ringlets around her face.

    ¡°Shake your head,¡± he whispered.

    She did as he asked and her hair erupted and casaded  around her shoulders.

    ¡°You¡¯re my fantasye to life, Sasha. Do you know that?¡±

    No, you¡¯re the fantasy, she thought. You¡¯re my fantasye to life. And I love you. His hand began to sculpt her body from breast to thigh, over and over again, until she felt weak with wanting. And then he carefully rucked the velvet dress up to her waist, exposing her belly in the tent-sized knickers. She drew her knees up immediately.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± she objected.

    ¡°Don¡¯t what?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even look at me.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re beautiful.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m-¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he contradicted, and traced azy line across the drum-tight bump, and it seemed like the most arousing gesture he had ever made. ¡°Big and proud and beautifully ripened.¡±

    She gave up fighting and let him slide his hands round to cup the firm jut of her buttocks. Let him kiss her eyelids, the tip of her nose and the corners of her mouth.

 63

    She felt the light touch as his fingers feathered her where she was warm and moist and aching-until she was lost in a dark, erotic world of his creation. She said his name, just once, and then began to move distractedly beneath his touch.

    Kaleb looked down at her while he continued to caress her, reveling in the frantic little movements of her limbs. He knew it would be more practical to take her to bed, but he could also see that she was close to the edge. Too close. And too precious and unwieldy to just flying over his shoulder and mount the stairs and take her upstairs to bed.

    Which meant staying right here¡­

    He slid his hand inside her panties and she made an agitated little sound that was somewhere between a gasp and a cry as he moved his hand against her heated flesh with a slow, sure rhythm.

    This was all going to be over far too quickly, was his one regretful thought as he watched the frantic circling of her hips.

    Sasha felt the first spasm of pleasure ripple with increasing strength through her body, on and on and on, until she thought she would die with pleasure or astonishment. Or both. She called his name out loud. And then she cried.

    He took her to her bedroom and undressed her like a child, finding a nightdress tucked underneath her pillow and pulling it over her head. It was made of fine whitewn-all tucked and embroidered-and with the thick hair falling in a mane over her breasts she looked impossibly flushed and sexy and beautiful.

    She was all sleepy as he pulled the duvet over her, and his body felt dry and aching, and he knew that if he didn¡¯t get out of here soon¡­ He was just tiptoeing out when her voice halted him.

    ¡°Kaleb?¡± He turned around.

    Her eyes were wide open. ¡°Come to bed.¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re tired now and you need to sleep. It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he lied.

    ¡°Yes, it does. I want to hold you. I want you to hold me.¡±

    ¡°What if I said no?¡±

    ¡°You want to make me mber out and chase you? In my condition?¡± she mocked

    He smiled. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve tried to do the gentlemanly thing.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m not going to let you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, well, in that case¡­¡± His eyes narrowed like a cat¡¯s as he shut the door softly behind him and began to unbutton his shirt.

    He was tempted to tear the garment from his body in his eagerness to fall into bed with her, but he didn¡¯t want to frighten her. So he made his undressing as unhurried as he could and saw that she was watching the slow striptease throughzy, slitted eyes, clearly enjoying it.

    And by the time he slipped underneath the sheets to join her, he discovered that she was trembling nearly as much as he was. She wrapped her arms almost shyly around his neck.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to make love to you now.¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°No, sugar. Just rest. Go to bed,¡±

    ¡°I want to pleasure you the way you did to me,¡± she whispered. ¡°Will you let me?¡±

    The innocent question caught him by surprise. So did the trusting way she asked it. Did that mean what he thought it might mean? But then the throb of anticipation blotted out the question. ¡°You bet your life I will,¡± he murmured. Kaleb took her hand and softly kissed each finger in turn, then the palm. Only then did he let his body rx with anticipation against the mattress as he held her by the waist.

    Her hand slid up his chest, gingerly spreading her fingers to explore him.

    ¡°You can touch me.¡± He drew a shaking breath. ¡°Anywhere you want. Anyhow.¡±

    She realized he wanted her to touch him. As much as she wanted him to touch her. This was give and take. Desire and hunger. She slid her hand further and watched him tense with pleasure at her touch. And then all reticence fled and she was driven to discover more.

    She caressed every inch of his muscled beauty, pausing when she ran her fingers over a jagged scar on his rump. He smiled, pulling her closer, and she forgot everything in the heat and tease of his kisses. Her hand found his thick length and he inhaled deeply when she began to move up and down his length. Slowly but firmly. Her thumb stroked the head, rubbing the liquid she found at the tip all over it. Kaleb gasped¡­ Thrusting his hips uncontrobly into her palm, he moaned, biting his lower lip. Then suddenly, he moved away from her seeking, soft fingers.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± He gazed into her eyes, his hips grinding delightfully against hers in a slow, tormenting motion. ¡°I want to kiss you¡±

    ¡°Then kiss me¡± she replied.

    He did-so thoroughly and lushly that she arched, unable to resist the urges of her body. He kissed, not just her mouth, but her neck and her chest. He kissed, nipped and nibbled, working his way lower and lower, kissing every part of her body.

    ¡°I love touching you,¡± he breathed huskily against her belly. His hands swept over her-more and more intimately teasing and tormenting her until she writhed beneath him and even though he¡¯d made her soar only minutes before, that empty ache inside was utterly unbearable.

    And somehow he knew. He lifted himself up above her and looked directly, deeply into her eyes. ¡°Do you want me inside you?¡±

    She wanted everything. Most of all she didn¡¯t want this good feeling to end. ¡°Yes.¡±

    But he didn¡¯t smile. ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡±

    ¡°This is like a dream, Kaleb. I need you. Just for tonight.¡±

    ¡°A dream?¡± He shook his head. ¡°This isn¡¯t a dream you can wake up from and take back, Sasha,¡±

    Her anger built. All she wanted at the moment was him. Now. And she didn¡¯t want him to make her wait any longer. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything more,¡± she moaned. ¡°Don¡¯t spoil it.¡± He tensed.

    ¡°And don¡¯t stop,¡± she demanded fiercely. ¡°Yes. I want you.¡±From N?velDrama.Org.

    His smile spread across his face and then he kissed her again. Until she arched, until she moaned, until she couldn¡¯t form words. He slid his hand beneath her bottom and held her still enough for him to press close. She gasped as she felt his thickness sear into her.

    ¡°Sasha?¡± he breathed.

    ¡°Yes. Kaleb.¡± She wanted this. Him.

 64

    As he pushed closer still she trembled. He was so big and so strong and she was suddenly overwhelmed. But he moved so slowly, so carefully and then he kissed her again-in that deep, lush way, as if he¡¯d wanted nothing more in all his life than to kiss her. As if she were the very oxygen he needed to survive. That was when everything melted within her and he slid to the hilt, so they were as deeply connected as they could possibly be. Her need coalesced again into a cascading reac-tion of movement. He pushed her to follow his sweet, hard, slick rhythm-into a dance she¡¯d never known, but discovered she could do so damn well with him. His breathing roughened as she clutched him back, as she understood more the give and take, the meet and retreat of this magic. Together they moved faster, deeper¡­until she cried out as he brought unbearable, beautiful pleasure down upon her. As he broke through everyst one of her boundaries to meet her right there-where there was light and heat and sheer physical joy.

    And finally, when she couldn¡¯t actually move, when her body was so wrung out, so limp from that tornado of ecstasy, a small smile curved his gorgeous lips. He rolled but pulled her close, draping her soft body over his. And he kissed her again-a sweet intimacy she was still so unused to, and still so desperately hungry for.

    So hungry, in fact, that it took only one long, lush kiss to stir her hips into that primal circling dance again.

    ¡°Oh, Sasha,¡± he muttered and swept his hands down her yearning body. ¡°You¡¯re magnificent.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    ¡°I¡¯d love for us to have dinner at my house tonight,¡± Kaleb told Sasha three weekster.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Sasha replied, ¡°But can I ask why?¡±

    ¡°I have a surprise for you¡­ I mean¡­ There is something I want to show you,¡±

    She shrugged, ¡°Fine. Your ce it is,¡±

    Later that evening, Kaleb drove them to his house. Where his chef had prepared a delicious meal of fried rice and sd for them. As usual, Sasha ate to her fill, and blushed at some point when she looked up to find Kaleb staring at her with a smile on his face.

    After dinner, Kaleb took her upstairs. Sasha followed in silence, wondering what the mystery was all about. Kaleb stopped in front of one of the rooms and opened the door, motioning for her to go in first.

    Sasha walked in and looked around. The room had been painted yellow, and she saw that it had been turned into a baby¡¯s room. And right there, in the middle of the room, was a beautiful crib, a red ribbon tied to it.

    ¡°For the baby,¡± Kaleb said behind her, ¡°We can also turn the other room at your apartment to a baby¡¯s room, but I¡¯m currently upying it and I knew that if I tried to do it now, you¡¯ll find out and I¡¯d ruin the surprise,¡±

    Sasha couldn¡¯t say anything so she simply stared at it, her eyes misty with tears. She turned to him.¡± Oh, Kaleb. it¡¯s so beautiful¡± she threw her arms around him. He pressed her gently towards him, his face buried in her hair. ¡°Thank you so much, Kaleb. I love it¡± she whispered in his ear.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he said. ¡°I figured it¡¯d also make a great Christmas gift,¡±

    She moved away from him gently. She¡¯d been so confused on what to get him for Christmas. She¡¯d finally settled for a blue designer office shirt and a beautiful mug that had ¡®Daddy to be¡¯ written on it.

    ¡°Yes it is something.¡± She told him.

    ¡°I wanted you to be surprised.. And the look on your face is totally worth it¡± he replied.

    They spent the night there. Lying together in his bed, not having sex, but holding on to each other so tightly throughout the night, and Sasha could feel herself falling harder for him. She felt closer to him now¡­ Toofortable with him, and she knew that it¡¯d be hard to let him go when she finally had to.

    The next morning, Kaleb had to leave very early for a meeting, but not before he ordered his staff to look after Sasha and promised to be back as soon as he could.

    After he left, Sasha remained in bed, inhaling his scent on his pillow. She slept off again and woke up two hourster. When she went down to the kitchen after a hot bath, she saw that breakfast had already beenid out for her. After breakfast, she was catching up with Miriam about work when she heard someonee in. One of the staff had let the visitors in and Sasha looked up to say hello.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    She recognized the man as one of the people she¡¯d met at Kaleb¡¯s party and smiled cheerfully at him while she introduced herself. The young man seemed friendly and returned her greeting with a polite smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said, I¡¯m assuming you want to see Kaleb but he¡¯s not here right now,¡±

    ¡°Oh, he sent me¡± the man who had introduced himself as rk replied, ¡°He wanted me to get something he forgot from his home office,¡±

    ¡°Oh alright,¡± Sasha replied. She had noticed the look on his face when he saw that she was pregnant, and she wondered if Kaleb had told them about her or what he¡¯d told them, so she added, ¡°Sorry you had to meet me here like this.¡±

    He shrugged. ¡°Oh it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m happy for both of you honestly. It¡¯s about time.  Kaleb has been single for years now for all I know.¡±

    Sasha lifted an eyebrow. She looked confused.

    ¡°What?¡± rk gazed at her.

    ¡°Kaleb and ire,¡± Sasha uttered haltingly, gazing back at him. ¡°Are they not in a rtionship?¡±

    rk frowned. ¡°What are you talking about? Kaleb and ire in a rtionship? What nonsense is that?¡± Heughed loudly.

    What the fuck! Sasha¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°They are not?¡± she demanded.

    ¡°Of course not. They are not in a rtionship, and they¡¯ve never been. Well, other than a boss and subordinate, or friendship, which we all share, there¡¯s nothing more. Jeez, where did you even get that?¡± He made it sound like the craziest thing to even imagine.

    ¡°Um, nowhere,¡± Sasha breathed softly. ¡°I only thought so.¡± She was suddenly exhausted.

 65

    It was rk¡¯s turn to look confused now. He frowned, ¡°Oh gosh. It looks like I¡¯ve said too much and caused some trouble, have I not?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ No, you didn¡¯t. I¡¯m okay,¡± Sasha said, her voice low. ¡°Um, just get the stuff you came for. It¡¯s nice to meet you, rk¡±

    Sasha hurried back to the bedroom. She was lost in this new information and she felt some kind of relief and rage at the same time.

    She remained in a bad mood the entire day, and she was in the living room when Kaleb finally returned from work. He was in the middle of a phone call, holding the phone to his ear with his shoulder as he closed the door behind him. He beamed ecstatically when he saw Sasha, and even motioned for her to move closer to give him a hug.

    Her heart flipped, but she strictly ignored his gesture, making him frown. She had no time to even admire his handsome face and exquisite suit that multiplied his hot looks. No distractions at the moment! She dered to herself.

    ¡°Sorry, I have something important to attend to. I gotta go.¡± Kaleb hung up instantly while moving towards her. He ced his phone on the table. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you awake right now, baby. I thought you¡¯d be resting.¡± Smiling, he paced towards Sasha with a big smile.

    ¡°Neither did I,¡± Sasha remarked coldly as she stood up.

    Kaleb frowned at the tone of her voice. He was rmed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he questioned, standing right before her.

    Panting mildly, Sasha responded to his query. ¡°I only stayed up to give you this!¡± She pped him hard on the face.

    Startled, Kaleb cocked his head to the side, epting the blow. But he immediately recovered. He smirked, and he was now ring at her, eyes dark and raw, confused. But he took it calmly.

    ¡°What was that for?¡± he asked coolly.

    ¡°For being such a lying jerk! How could you do this to me?¡± Sasha muttered crossly.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Bemused was Kaleb¡¯s disposition.

    ¡°Was it fun? Did you enjoy seeing me losing my head over you despite knowing you had a girlfriend already?¡± Sasha was enraged as she neared him closer. ¡°Why did you make me believe she¡¯s your girlfriend, huh?¡± she asked again, tears brimming in her eyes.

    That was when Kaleb  got a hint of what¡¯s going on. And for the first time he seemed to be fretting. ¡°How did you find out?¡± he asked, shocked.

    ¡°How did I find out? Is that even important?¡± Sasha huffed.

    ¡°Listen, Sasha-¡±

    ¡°Do you even know how I felt all this time knowing I was doing something terrible and yet couldn¡¯t stop myself?¡± Sasha interrupted. ¡°Do you even realize how stupid I feel right now thinking of all the times you had the chance to tell me the truth and yet you didn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sasha. I wanted to tell you the truth but-¡± God knows how many times he tried to tell her but failed for some reason. But yes, perhaps a part of him didn¡¯t really mind ying with her head.

    ¡°But you didn¡¯t!¡± Sasha snapped dryly. ¡°You didn¡¯t because deep inside you loved ying with my feelings, Kaleb! Because you enjoyed every bit of it. You enjoyed seeing how stupidly I made a fool out of myself while you could¡¯ve just told me the truth.¡± She sobbed.

    ¡°Sasha, please, that¡¯s not what happened,¡± Kaleb insisted, his voice unguarded, his feelings out in the open. It was a regret, but she was too angry to see.

    ¡°I¡¯m such a fool,¡± she muttered, sniffling.

    ¡°Listen,¡± Kaleb sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I couldn¡¯t tell you, but it¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you, I¡¯m sorry.¡± He tried to reach for her shoulders but she immediately winced aside.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± she sternly uttered. ¡°I think the game is over. And yes, you¡¯ve won, Kaleb. I am stupid and you¡¯re the smarter one! You, Sir, have won.¡± She wasughing, tears apanying herughter.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± Kaleb whispered her name in a very foreign way, his face nched.

    He looked in fear; afraid of the meaning her words deciphered to him.

    ¡°Maybe you should start finding your next toy,¡± she uttered with bitterness, feeling so yed. ¡°I¡¯m already used to it, right? Bravo! I wonder what kind of pleasure you had knowing I¡¯m just a measly woman who¡¯s ready to fuck you knowing you have someone you call a girlfriend. And I even got¡­ Pr.. Pregnant. You know, it¡¯s not important anymore because we¡¯re done!¡± With that she turned toward the exit.

    ¡°Sasha, wait.¡± Kaleb managed to grab her wrist and stopped her. ¡°Please, don¡¯t¡­Don¡¯t go¡­ Don¡¯t leave me,¡± he begged, his voice low and worried.

    ¡°I want to be civil about this, Kaleb, so let me go,¡± Sasha instructed.

    ¡°Sasha-¡±

    ¡°Let me go, Kaleb!¡± she snapped, ring at him. He wasn¡¯t ready to do that. He didn¡¯t seem ready to let her leave like that. ¡°Let. Me. Go!¡± She forcefully tried to rid his grip.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Reluctantly, Kaleb freed her hand. She left.

    A minute he could hear her calling a cab, and he knew that she was packing her stuff. Knowing Sasha, he knew that it¡¯d be useless to try to stop her. The cab arrived and he watched helplessly as she breezed past him, out of the house.

    He heard the cab drive away, and it felt like a huge part of him was gone too.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Sasha¡¯s phone began buzzing as early as 8 o¡¯clock the following morning. When she saw Kaleb¡¯s name on the screen, she started feeling uneasy. She slowly rejected all his calls, and got herself his text messages instead.

    ¡°How persistent!¡± she growled, eyes on the phone.

    ¡®Please pick up my calls, Sasha.¡¯ the text read.

    He called again. She stared at the screen until the call ended. No, she wasn¡¯t going to give in. She stayed still for a while, pondering. Sighing, she returned the text.

    ¡®What part of ¡®we are over¡¯ do you not seem to understand? Please STOP calling me!¡¯This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    She ced the phone down but by now, she was already disturbed. Kaleb was all over her head. Her mind wandered back to all the time she¡¯d spent with him. Yes, they were magical, and she could relive them over and over again. Not even once she could bring herself to forget his wild kisses, caresses, touches and great sex she¡¯d ever had.

 66

    But other than being physical with him, was there anything else she was missing about him? She kept asking herself. When her phone buzzed again, she checked her phone quicker than she wanted.

    ¡®All of it. I refuse to ept any of it, and that¡¯s why we should meet. We need to talk, and I¡¯ll personally make sure it happens, ¡®

    ¡°The audacity!¡± Sasha smirked when she read it. It was incredible how Kaleb kept exercising his controlling nature even in this situation. He was supposed to beg her, not ordering as he did. Sasha knew right from the start that avoiding Kaleb was impossible, but she still wanted to try. However, sooner orter she was going to face him, and it scared the hell out of her. He had be both her strength and weakness at the same time.

    She needed him to feel like someone had her back especially with the pregnancy and babying; and that was something Kaleb had done. She wanted someone to feel proud of her, and he¡¯d shown that within a very short moment of their interaction. So in the end it wasn¡¯t all about sex and good times, she thought. A new text arrived.

    ¡®I need you. I miss you, Sasha. It¡¯s was one hell of a night without you.¡¯

    She swallowed and sucked in a deep breath while jotting the words into her head. He was missing her? It made her heart flutter foolishly. But no, she wasn¡¯t supposed to fall for it, she reminded herself, and decided to turn off the phone altogether.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Sasha had to admit to herself that living with Kaleb had made things a bit easier for her, She thought one night as she got ready for bed. She was about eight months pregnant now, and it wasn¡¯t getting easy to move around. Tilly and Miriam helped as much as they could, but she still missed having Kaleb around.

    He¡¯d finally stopped calling and texting her and even if she had repeatedly told him to stop, now that he had, she felt even more depressed. He never came back to get his things from her ce and the room he¡¯d upied still smelled like him. She¡¯dpletely avoided going into the room until two days ago. She¡¯d woken up in the middle of the night, missing his touch so badly that she¡¯d rushed into the room to spend the night in his bed, and weirdly that had helped a little.

    She was cleaning up the kitchen sink that evening when she heard someone drive in ande in through the front door. Only Tilly and Kaleb had a key to her ce, and if Tilly wasn¡¯ting over, then it was¡­.

    She stopped what she was doing and walked slowly into the kitchen. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him. Tall and dark, he was standing in the middle of the room, clearly waiting for her.

    He lifted a hand, showing her the key. ¡°I was worried that you¡¯d have changed the lock by now,¡±  he said huskily, ¡°I¡¯m d that you didn¡¯t,¡±

    Sasha blinked. She¡¯d thought about changing it, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to. Guess a part of her had been wishing that he¡¯de back. She said nothing and didn¡¯t even try to move at all when he slowly began to walk towards her.

    ¡°How are you?¡± he asked gently. His eyes moved lower, until he was staring at her stomach, which was even bigger now. His hand lifted, and he reached out to touch her belly, but he seemed to think twice about the gesture¡­ Then his hand dropped. Sasha tried not to feel disappointed. ¡°And how¡¯s the baby?¡± he added.

    ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± Sasha replied, ¡°How are you?¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Kaleb shrugged. What the hell did she think, he wondered. He was used to always being in control, but then this woman next to him had started to break his barricades. It simply happened like something he strongly needed-an addiction-quite different from all other women he¡¯d been with in the past. He hated and loved the feeling at the same time, but he couldn¡¯t stay away from her any longer because it felt like torture. Not only was he missing her, but he was constantly worried about her and the baby.

    He wanted to be with them. He wanted to know that she wasn¡¯t stressed¡­That she had all the help she needed¡­ That she ate and slept right. He wanted to be by her side when the baby arrived, and then he wanted to be there with the both of them, not somewhere in another house where he could only see his child on a schedule.  But how could he tell her that when she didn¡¯t want him around?

    He ignored her question. ¡°I¡­ Know you made it clear that you didn¡¯t want me around,¡± he said, ¡°But I¡­Know that you need me here. You and the baby¡­ I want to be here too, Sasha. You can¡¯t deny that you need my help. I¡¯m not trying to fight with you, but you know that¡¯s my baby in there and I have to do everything I can to protect you both,¡±

    He was standing right in front of her now. So close that all he had to do was reach out and touch her, but he didn¡¯t. ¡°Let me stay here with you¡­ At least until the babyes¡­and then we can figure out where to go from there,¡±

    Sasha swallowed hard. He was right. She wanted him there with her, not just for the baby and his help, but because she wanted to be with him. There was silence, and then she said suddenly because she just had to know: ¡°Why did you lie about ire?¡± she broke the silence, deciding it was time to get the answer from him.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie, I just didn¡¯t tell,¡± Kaleb replied curtly.

    ¡°It¡¯s the same thing, so quit ying smart with me,¡±

    ¡°Okay, I don¡¯t know why I did that,¡± Kaleb told her, sounding honest.

    ¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t know?¡± Sasha was confused. Kaleb sighed and turned away from her.

    ¡°Kaleb?¡± she called softly, reiming his gaze.

    ¡°I guess I thought it wasn¡¯t important at first,¡± he exined vaguely, ¡°because I had no idea we would ever get to this point.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

 67

    Kaleb sighed again. ¡°No, I knew I wanted you. I just didn¡¯t think we would reach this stage, you know¡­ With the baby and¡­¡± he ran his hand through his hair, ¡°¡­ I thought it wasn¡¯t a big deal, but it began to be, and I was going to tell you.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°When?¡± Sasha breathed.

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know, Sasha,¡± Kaleb said truthfully. ¡°I don¡¯t want to lie to you. There were times when I almost did and then for some reason I¡­ I

    couldn¡¯t¡­ Or didn¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t know¡±

    It was difficult for Sasha to understand him, and even harder to understand herself. She was so weak over him. What was she seeing in him? Yes he was handsome, sexy, rich, but was that enough to totally go nuts over him?

    ¡°No, the answer is simple, Kaleb ,¡± she uttered. ¡°You just enjoyed seeing what a fool I am for pulling off my pants for you every time despite knowing you had a girlfriend. Was it entertaining?¡± She wanted to release all her doubts.

    ¡°That never crossed my mind, Sasha, you¡¯re being unfair,¡± Kaleb said, his voice hurt. ¡°But you know what? You¡¯re absolutely right. I¡¯m a jerk, inconsiderate, and maybe selfish. I can¡¯t give you what you¡¯re probably looking for, Sasha. Because in the end, every girl dreams of the prince charming.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Sasha was wary.

    Kaleb smiled gently. ¡°You¡¯re no exception, Sasha. Just like every other girl, you¡¯re also dreaming of that sweet charming guy, don¡¯t you? But I¡¯m not the prince charming. I can¡¯t be the man of your dream and I know that for a fact.¡±

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Sasha could feel her heart pounding faster, fright filling her insides.

    ¡°I¡¯m saying I¡¯d stick to my part as just the baby daddy,¡± said Kaleb. ¡°I¡¯ll keep my word and take care of the both of you as much as I can, but I¡¯ll leave you alone¡­because I¡¯m clearly not the man for you and I can¡¯t give you the kind of rtionship you want. I¡¯m always hurting you in one way or another and I don¡¯t think you want to deal with that.¡±

    ¡°And you think that¡¯s the solution?¡± Sasha snapped, staring horrified at him.

    Kaleb faced her. ¡°I¡¯m leaving you alone, Sasha, just as you wanted. I won¡¯t bother you about us, so you can go back to your life before we¡­ Before things got out of control.¡±

    Sasha looked at him, and no syble came out of her mouth. Only tears brimmed in her eyes, one blink and they would¡¯ve streamed down her face. She clutched her belly. Did he really think that after everything that had happened, her life could ever be the same?

    ¡°Fine,¡± she finally breathed without breaking eye contact with him. ¡°As you wish, Kaleb. You can have your room back¡­.. I¡¯m going to bed,¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    Sasha couldn¡¯t sleep. The baby was so active this period, and for some reason tonight, the baby wouldn¡¯t settle.

    ¡®Eager toe into the world, I see¡¯ Sasha said as she finally sat up in her bed. Two weekster, she and Kaleb had gradually fallen back into their old routine apart from the sex part. At this point she was both eager and scared of what would be their fate when the baby finally came.

    Slipping her feet intofy slippers, Sasha pushed her way through the silent hallway like a thief, without any idea on whether Kaleb was asleep or not. It was probably midnight already, she thought.

    She passed by his bedroom, and then stopped for some reason. It was closed, as expected, and she stood outside the door as though conflicted over her next decision. It was stupid, and she had gathered that much, but she was still there. It was something she couldn¡¯t control, and she wondered what a crazy woman she¡¯d turned out to be.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± A voice startled her, and she nearly jumped.

    Kaleb! Sheprehended right away.

    She whirled around to face him. ¡°Um, nothing, I just¡­. I was just on my way to the kitchen to get a drink,¡±  she answered.

    Sleazy move.

    ¡°You wanted to get a drink?¡± Kaleb sauntered closer, frowning.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I just said.¡± Sasha held her breath, surprised that he had been out up to this time. Her heart tightened.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s pretend I believe you,¡± Kaleb mutteredzily, and Sasha discerned the ruffled state he was in, barely holding his full equilibrium.

    Shirt half-buttoned, hair a bit ruffled, and eyes darker.

    ¡°You were drinking?¡± she asked reproachfully.

    Kaleb neared the door, only a step from her. ¡°I was. Why? Were you waiting for me?¡± He smirked.

    ¡°Of course not! Why would I wait for you? And you¡¯re drunk,¡± Sasha retorted. ¡°Is that what you were doing awake all this time?¡±

    A faint smile escaped Kaleb¡¯s lips, making her frown. He sighed heavily before saying, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you still love whining.¡± His gaze was cajoling.

    ¡°I¡¯m not whining, Kaleb. I¡¯m only asking,¡± Sasha snapped.

    Why was she so concerned about him despite everything? She hated this.

    ¡°Why should I answer your question, Sasha? Are you my wife?¡± Kaleb asked, chuckling.

    ¡°Asshole,¡± Sasha murmured under her breath, anger surging back into her system.

    Briskly, Kaleb seized her shoulders, holding her closer. ¡°I left you alone but you¡¯re still lurking around. What do you want from me, Sasha?¡± His voice wasced with menace, his eyes raw.

    Sasha could feel her heart beating fast, but she didn¡¯t budge.

    ¡°I want to torture you the same way you¡¯re torturing me! I want you to feel exactly what you¡¯re making me feel! In that case, I¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t get to feel at peace after twisting my life around, Kaleb Luthor. You don¡¯t deserve it,¡± she said, looking him straight in the eyes.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You heard me. I won¡¯t leave you alone, Kaleb.¡±

    Kaleb¡¯s eyes faltered as he slowly released her. Why was he bothered about this? He wanted her far, but seeing her all he needed was to hold her close, kiss her, hug her, and just sleep by her side-even without getting inside her pretty thong.

    ¡°Go to your room and sleep, Sasha. It¡¯ste.¡± He reached for the door knob, his steps unstable.

    He really didn¡¯t want her anymore. Sasha felt a sharp pain at the thought, her eyes getting watery as he pushed the door to draw himself in. She sucked in an audible breath, ready to go back to her room and find that sleep, when she suddenly heard him stumbling onto something.

 68

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± She didn¡¯t think twice running toward him. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re definitely drunk! What were you thinking?¡± She was holding him, his arms around her shoulders, and hers around his waist.

    ¡°I¡¯m not drunk,¡± Kaleb hissed.

    ¡°Yeah, right. That¡¯s what all the drunkards say,¡± she quipped while shutting the door behind them. ¡°Let¡¯s get you to bed.¡± She tried to scoot him toward the bed. But he didn¡¯t want to move. Instead, he took her in his arms, hugging her from behind, longingly. His hand slid to bump and he rubbed it gently.

    ¡°Sasha,¡± he uttered, his voice hoarse. She stilled in his brace. ¡°Just for tonight, let¡¯s sleep together.¡±

    ¡°Sleep together?¡± Sasha murmured, her skin shuddered.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Kaleb replied, breathing into her hair.

    ¡°And then what?¡± Sasha asked gently, her chest rising and falling as she breathed. She loved being this closer to him. She still needed to feel him every single day. How stupid was she going to get? She could no longer understand.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Kaleb sighed, his chin resting on her shoulder. ¡°Can¡¯t we just forget it for one night? I won¡¯t even fuck you, I swear. I just want to feel your warmth.¡±

    Ditto. Sasha had no doubt of her desire. ¡°You¡¯re really weird, Kaleb.¡± She broke out from his embrace to take a good look at him. ¡°Very weird,¡± she breathed, eyes bored deeply into his tired ones, beautifully lit by the moonlight through the window.

    ¡°Only you know that much, Sasha. You¡¯re like the light at the end of my tunnel,¡± Kaleb muttered, making her eyes shimmer when he brushed the back of his hand against her cheek.

    The heat rose in her, and her breath hitched.

    ¡°What do I really do with you?¡± she asked, but more to herself than to him.

    She wanted him-she knew she couldn¡¯t avoid him, and it was even useless trying to. Even at this moment she wasn¡¯t ready to say no.

    ¡°Just stay with me, please,¡± Kaleb entreated.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll sleep with you,¡± Sasha muttered, epting her fate. In a few minutes she was helping him get settled inside. He was very tipsy, now that she¡¯d seen him walking to the bedroom, and even stumbled by the couch.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you taking your clothes off?¡± she asked.

    ¡°If I do, I¡¯ll end up between your legs¡­and I don¡¯t want to make you mad anymore,¡± he uttered, keeping his drunk talk.

    Sasha giggled.

    ¡°Oh, so I¡¯m a clown now?¡± He was on the bed, seated, while taking off his shoes with difficulty.

    Sasha knelt down to help him. ¡°Don¡¯t be such a baby now. Take off the jeans at least; and you look dashing on them by the way.¡± She eyed him.

    ¡°Oh, do I?¡± He beamed, his eyes barely holding up.

    ¡°Yes, you do.¡±

    He was done with the shoes, then suddenly he frowned remorsefully, ¡°Sasha¡­ I need you to know that I¡­I didn¡¯t . . . mean to-¡±

    ¡°Sleep, Kaleb, you¡¯re tired,¡± Sasha said as she rose up. She didn¡¯t want to discuss this topic-not with him so drunk. ¡°Lie down.¡± She helped him into bed, cing a pillow behind his head.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kaleb breathed.

    Sasha didn¡¯t know how to take that apology, for it was ambiguous. Why was he sorry? For lying to her? Or for some kind of regret upon tossing her aside? She wished he could rify, but his eyes were already shut.

    ¡°You really know how to drive me nuts,¡± she muttered, watching him with a big sigh. ¡°And I think I¡¯m falling for you like a fool.¡± She sat beside him for a very good while, doing nothing but staring at him, listening to his sound breath. Slowly she leaned over and ced her lips on his, closing her eyes at the feeling.

    Kaleb¡¯s eyes opened gently, and Sasha felt the chill when he suddenly gripped her waist, pulling her closer. He wasn¡¯t sleeping? She screamed inwardly, watching him struggling to stay awake.

    ¡°I promised I won¡¯t fuck you, Sasha, so don¡¯t provoke me,¡± Kaleb croaked.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Sasha hummed, bobbing her head.

    ¡°Good. Now let¡¯s sleep,¡± said Kaleb and in a minute he was holding her tight as he once again shut his eyes.

    At some point, in the middle of the night, Sasha made an attempt to get up so as to return to her room, but Kaleb kept her body too close and too tight to allow her to leave. She decided to give up by holding him back and enjoyed his warm body nketing her against the night breeze.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨CBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    When Sasha opened her eyes, the first thing that registered was howfortable she was. And warm. The second thing she realized was that she was on top of Kaleb.

    Not just on top of him, but sprawled across him as if she owned him. Her cheek was stered to his shoulder and her forehead pressed against the side of his neck.

    Appalled that she could betray herself like this, she started to ease away but Kaleb tightened his arm around her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go. This is nice.¡± he whispered.

    She raised her head and stared into eyes that were unclouded with sleep. Evidently he¡¯d been awake for a while and content to lie there with her draped over him like a nket.

    He touched her cheek. ¡°You always look so beautiful when you wake up.¡±

    She soaked in the words, her heart tugging at the sincerity in his voice. Before she could question her sanity, she slowly lowered her mouth and touched it tentatively to his. He seemed surprised and pleased by her taking the initiative. Hey still while she carefully explored his firm mouth.

    She licked over the closed seam, and when his lips parted, she slid her tongue lightly over his bottom lip before moving inward to rasp over the end of his tongue. Strong hands gripped her upper arms, holding her in ce as he began to kiss her back. Softly at first, as if he was wooing her, and then harder. His breath sped up and came in little bursts through her mouth. He sucked at the tip of her tongue and then she nipped at his when he let her go.

    Before she realized it, she was on her back and he was over her, his knee between her legs as he devoured her mouth. Hot. Breathless. Fast and hard and then slow and gentle. With one hand he popped the two tiny buttons that held the bodice together. The material separated and her breasts strained precariously out of the gown.

 69

    The satin caught on her hard, erect nipples and he tugged insistently until one breast camepletely free. He cupped the plump mound and then lowered his head, sucking the nipple into his mouth.

    A shot of adrenaline slivered through her veins, edgy and sharp. She twisted restlessly beneath him as he sucked harder. She plunged her fingers through his short, cropped hair and then gripped the back of his head, holding him in ce as she silently begged for more.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    He pulled at her nipple, drawing his head back until the taut nub came free of his mouth. Then he lifted his gaze to meet hers and butterflies scuttled around her belly when she saw the look in his eyes.

    ¡°I want to make love to you, Sasha. I need you so much. But I won¡¯t do this if it¡¯s only going to make things worse. You have to want this as much as I do.¡±

    ¡°I want it more,¡± she said hoarsely. And that was the truth. She¡¯d always wanted him more. Craved him. Missed him when he wasn¡¯t with her. Seeing him now, having him over her, his mouth on her, brought back those memories-happier memories-when things were perfect between them.

    But had they been? Ever? Really?

    She shook off the dark shadow that gued her and reached up to caress his cheek.

    ¡°I need you, too.¡±

    Fire exploded in his eyes. Satisfaction and triumph glittered brightly as he swept down to im her mouth again.

    When he finally pulled back, he eased to the side and gathered her in his arms, holding her as if she was a precious piece of ss he was afraid might break.

    For the longest time, his gaze stroked over her while he reacquainted himself with her all over again. Then he slid his hand over her shoulder and eased the strap of her gown down her arm. He moved to the other side and hooked one finger in the strap, pulling it down until the gown bunched over the ball of her belly.

    Levering up on one elbow, he coaxed her to lift her hips so he could pull the gownpletely free. He worked it down her legs and then tossed it over the edge of the bed. Now she was only d in her underwear and it didn¡¯t feel like any sort of barrier to his gaze or his touch.

    He cupped his hand just above her pelvis and caressed the round, firm bulge of her abdomen. ¡°Our baby,¡± he said hoarsely.

    Then he hovered over her and lowered his head so that his mouth pressed to the center of her belly in a tender kiss.

    The gesture brought tears to her eyes, stinging the lids, and she swallowed against the quick knot that formed in her throat.

    ¡°Beautiful,¡± he murmured. ¡± You¡¯re so unbelievably sexy carrying her in there¡±

    ¡°Her? You think it¡¯s a girl, too?¡±

    Kaleb smiled down at her. ¡°You say her sometimes. I guess I¡¯ve just gotten used to it. I really don¡¯t care if it¡¯s a girl or boy. I just want you both to be okay.¡±

    She felt a little light-headed, as if she had an alcohol buzz without the alcohol. He trailed his fingers lower, to her pelvis and through her damp, slick folds. She jumped in reaction when he brushed over her clitoris and then she moaned when he delved lower and carefully dipped the tip of his index finger inside her warmth.

    ¡°I love how you respond to me. I¡¯ve always loved it.¡±

    She shifted restlessly as he continued his gentle exploration of her sensitive, quivering flesh. Already she was on edge, so close, and he¡¯d only begun touching her. She was impatient, wanting him now, but she also didn¡¯t want the sensation to end too quickly. She wanted to savor every single moment with him.

    ¡°Spread your legs for me,¡± he murmured.

    Helpless to deny him, she rxed her thighs and let them fall open as he moved down the bed. For a moment he got up and then he put his knee on the mattress, crawling between her thighs.

    His eyes smoldered with heat and desire as he stared hungrily at her. Then he lowered himself, inserting one hand between her thighs to push them further apart.

    She inhaled sharply and held her breath in anticipation as his head went down. He kissed her folds, right over her clitoris. Just a gentle, featherlike touch that had her spasming in need.

    With careful fingers, he parted her flesh, exposing her to his mouth. He kissed her again, this time directly on the puckered, taut nub. Even as she arched, his tongue swept out and he licked from her opening to the top of the delicate hood that encased her most sensitive flesh.

    She closed her eyes. Her fingers curled into tight balls, gathering the sheets and then releasing them once more as her body flew in about a dozen directions. It was intense. It was wonderful. It was beautiful. Something inside her shattered-or it felt like it.

    Wave after wave of sharp pleasure rolled over her with rigid intensity.

    She panted softly, her breath squeezing from lungs that felt robbed of air. Her hips lifted rhythmically off the mattress as he nuzzled her down from her orgasm.

    When she gathered her senses and looked down, he was staring at her, satisfaction burning brightly in his blue eyes. There was a fierceness there that made her shiver, as if he was sending a silent message. You¡¯re mine.

    With his hands cupped underneath her legs, he raised himself up. He pushed back enough that she waspletely exposed to him and then reached between them to position himself at her opening.

    She gasped at the hot, hard feel of him barely breaching her. And then he slid all the way in with one push. It was enough to send her spiraling into another fast, reckless orgasm. She was stilling when he pulled back and pushed in again. Her body clutched desperately at him, hugging him tightly.

    They both let out harsh sounds as he cupped her buttocks and lifted her so his angle put him even deeper.

    ¡°I can¡¯t hold on,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s too good. I¡¯m sorry, baby.¡±

    She reached for him, clutching at his shoulders and pulling him to her. Still, he braced his hands on either side of her, holding his weight off her belly so that he didn¡¯t crush her.

 70

    He thrust harder this time and she felt the shudder roll through his body as he held himself deep inside her. He kissed her. Hungry. Passionate. With more desperation than she¡¯d ever experienced from him. Their lovemaking had always been good, but he¡¯d never lost control so quickly.

    She kissed him with just as much hunger, her hands sliding down his back and then up again to hold his head to hers.

    His hips trembled against her. Theyy locked together, with him barely holding himself off her. Wanting that closeness to him-especially now- she urged him over to his side, rolling with him so they stayed together.

    Their limbs were tangled, their arms wrapped tightly around each other, and he was still pulsing deep inside her body. She tucked her head underneath his chin and breathed deeply of his scent, felt the erratic thump of his heart against her cheek.

    It was easy to forget all that had happened between them. It was easy to forget the pain and loneliness. It was easy to imagine that they¡¯d never been apart and that they were home in bed, just waking in their apartment. And just for a moment, she refused to allow the hazy euphoria to evaporate under the weight of reality.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C

    Two weekster Sasha walked into Kaleb¡¯s room  some time in the night.

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± she hissed urgently, shaking his shoulder. ¡°I think I felt something!¡±

    Kaleb felt himself stir. ¡°Mmm. So did I!¡± he murmured sleepily.

    Sasha almostughed, ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡± she said.

    Moving swiftly out of the memory, he sat up in bed, his eyes snapping open. ¡°You mean it¡¯s the baby?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    He frowned. ¡°It can¡¯t be! There¡¯s still another three weeks to go.¡±

    ¡°It could be. Babiese early.¡±

    ¡°Get in the bed and Keep still, then.¡± He said as he helped her get on the bed, slid his arms around her shoulders and cuddled her against him, loving the feel of her bulky stomach pressed up this close to him. ¡°And we¡¯ll wait and see.¡± He gave the top of her head a perfunctory kiss. ¡°Okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    They both held their breath almost without realizing they were doing so, then let it out in unison as nothing happened. He stroked her hair and slid a hair-roughened thigh over hers.

    ¡°I guess we just wait. I can¡¯t think of a nicer way to do it.¡±

    ¡°Me, neither.¡± She nestled against his bare chest, sofortable in his arms.

    Kaleby in silence for a moment, just listening to the sounds of the evening-the ticking of a clock in the room and the distant hum of a car outside. There were things he wanted to tell her, but he wondered if now was the right time. Maybe there never would be a right time.

    ¡°What is it?¡± she murmured sleepily against his chest.

    ¡°How do you know it¡¯s anything?¡± He smiled in the darkness.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°You tensed up your shoulders-the way you always do when you want to say something you find difficult,¡±

    He thought about this. ¡°You know me pretty well now, don¡¯t you, Sasha?¡±

    Sasha felt protected by the cloak of darkness, and secure enough to say what was on her mind. ¡°I think I always have done. Only I never felt your equal before.¡±

    ¡°But you do now?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes.¡±

    He took a deep breath, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he said.

    Sasha decided not to push him. She forced her thoughts away from the topic. ¡°You know, we still haven¡¯t talked about what¡¯s going to happen after the birth.¡± She said instead.

    ¡°Because we agreed we wouldn¡¯t try to predict the future. Especially not about the important things.¡± Kaleb replied.

    ¡°And what are the important things? The baby is going to be born soon-maybe sooner than either of us think. Surely we¡¯re close enough to the future now for me to ask you a question like that.¡±

    He scowled, knowing now another reason why they had always avoided the subject. Too painful.¡± Well, most important to me is how often I get to see the baby, I guess.¡±

    ¡°You mean ess arrangements?¡± she asked.

    Kaleb  nodded, wincing in the darkness at the coldness of the phrase. ¡°We can have awyer draw up some kind of formal agreement, if you¡¯d prefer.¡±

    Sasha took her head from his chest and leaned over him, even though she could only see the smoky gleam of his eyes in the dim light. ¡°Is that what you want?¡±

    Heughed, only it didn¡¯t sound bubbling, or humorous. ¡°I don¡¯t think what I want is relevant.¡±

    ¡°Of course it is!¡± she said fiercely. ¡°You¡¯re the father!¡±

    ¡°But only the biological father!¡± he snarled.

    ¡°What other kind is there?¡±

    ¡°The real kind! The kind that wipes his nose when he gets a cold. Or kicks a ball around in the park with him. The kind that shows him how to ride a bike without falling off and how to deal with bullies when they pick on you!¡±

    ¡°And what if we have a girl?¡± asked Sasha.

    ¡°Exactly the same!¡± He scowled. ¡°And don¡¯t try to be clever or change the subject, Sasha Sullivan! You blithely talk about what it would be like if I was with another woman-don¡¯t you ever give a thought to what it would be like for me if you were with another man? Will I have to stand and watch from the sidelines while he or she¡­. ¡± he corrected hurriedly,  ¡°¡­. calls another man Daddy? I don¡¯t think I could stand it¡± he finished ferociously.

    ¡°Why are we arguing about a mythical man I might never meet at a time like this?¡± she asked him. ¡°I thought we have been enjoying a mutually satisfactory experience-¡±

    He sighed. ¡°That¡¯s just the problem. We have.¡±

    ¡°And? How is that a problem?¡±

    ¡°It makes me realize how much I¡­ want you.¡± It didn¡¯t seem quite the right word, but it would do for now. ¡°I want you even more now than ever before, Sasha.¡±

    He was right-the sex always changed everything. Sasha had a sneaking suspicion that sometimes men¡¯s minds and women¡¯s minds were heading in the same direction -only taking two entirely different routes to get there. She loved him. She knew that. She thought that deep down he felt the same way about her. But she wasn¡¯t going to put words in his mouth, however much she wanted to hear them.

    ¡°You mean you want us to keep having sex regrly?¡± she asked casually.

 71

    Kaleb snapped the light on, and through the blinking of her eyes in reaction Sasha saw him ring at her as though she had just uttered the most awful sphemy.

    ¡°No!¡± he roared.

    Sasha pretended surprise. ¡°You don¡¯t want to keep having sex?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Kaleb, if you¡¯re going to yell like a hooligan then I suggest you go back to sleep!¡±

    ¡°If you weren¡¯t pregnant I¡¯d put you over my knee!¡± he retorted.

    ¡°If I weren¡¯t pregnant, then you wouldn¡¯t be here, buddy!¡±

    ¡°Says who?¡±

    ¡°Says me!¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes, I would!¡± he said fervently.

    There was a pause. ¡°You would?¡± Sasha gulped.

    ¡°Of course I would! Because sooner orter I would havee to my senses and realized just how much I love you. And I do, Sasha. I love you very much.¡±

    She gazed back at him, too scared to hope for what had always seemed like an unattainable dream. He¡¯d said the words, and she believed that he meant them- but was there substance behind them? Enough to withstand all the tests that life threw in the path of love?

    She thought how easy they were in each other¡¯spany. Theyughed at the same jokes, they disagreed on all the things that men and women had been disagreeing on for years. Like whether women could read maps or men could do more than one task at a time. She didn¡¯t have much experience of the opposite sex, but she knew that whatever chemistry they had in bed was pure magic. So did that add up to love?

    ¡°I love you, Sasha,¡± he repeated softly, and cradled her tenderly against him. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been so damned dense I might have admitted it to myself a whole lot sooner.¡±

    Her heart filled with a feeling of contentment so pure that it made her feel quite dizzy. ¡°I love you, too. I¡¯ve always loved you¡­ Even when we were much younger¡­ Before you left.¡± She turned to rest her head against his chest, and sighed. ¡°Oh, Kaleb!¡±

    He stroked her arm. ¡°Mmm?¡±

    ¡°This is what it could have been like-if only we¡¯d been together all these years¡±

    He shook his head, secure now, letting go of thest of his regrets. ¡°No, sugar,¡± he said softly. ¡°We were both too young-the gulf was too wide. I was too arrogant and you were too¡­¡±

    ¡°Too what?¡±

    ¡°Too good for me!¡± he said fiercely.

    Sasha smiled and didn¡¯t correct him. After all, it didn¡¯t do a man any harm to have respect for the woman in his life!

    ¡°We needed to part in order to grow, and-¡±

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± she interrupted frantically.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Sasha gasped, and this time she looked scared. ¡°It¡¯s the baby,¡± she told him, wide-eyed. ¡°It¡¯sing!¡±

    ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°I just know,¡± she said firmly, as women had been saying to their men since time began.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The journey to the hospital seemed to take forever. Kaleb had never felt so helpless in his life as he¡¯d located his car keys with shaking fingers. He had briefly considered calling an ambnce, but decided that the journey would be faster and more reliable if he was in the driving seat.

    Which meant that now all his attention was taken up with trying to steer the car as smoothly as possible, with his precious cargo sitting in the passenger seat beside him. It meant that he wasn¡¯t able to touch Sasha, or tofort her. He was forced to concentrate on the road- and he didn¡¯t need to keep looking at her to know that she was suffering. Her eyes were huge and dark in a snowy-white face as the contractions starteding more frequently and more powerfully. He saw her stiffen as another spasm passed, and he nced over at the illuminated clock on the dashboard.

    ¡°How often are theying now?¡± she croaked.

    ¡°About every five minutes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quick. I think. Oh!¡± She clung onto her belly.

    ¡°Sasha, I can¡¯t bear to see you this way,¡± he moaned, as she gave a sudden whimper of distress. ¡°What can I do for you, sugar?¡±

    ¡°Just keep driving.¡±

    ¡°Do you think-¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t! I¡¯m not thinking about anything-and neither should you if you¡¯re going to fret! If you want something to take your mind off things, Kaleb, then try deciding what baby names you could live with, as that¡¯s something else we didn¡¯t get around to deciding!¡±

    Things got a little better when they arrived at the hospital. At least there were people in uniform who seemed to know what they were doing. For once in his life Kaleb was happy to stand on the sidelines and let them take over, while Sasha was bundled onto a trolley and rushed up to thebor ward.

    ¡°Just grip my hand,¡± Kaleb urged her as they waited for the lift, not seeming to notice that her nails were making tiny red, crescent-shapedcerations on his palms.

    Sasha had shut her eyes now, as if to blot out the pain, and he saw her face contort against the force of the new life trying to push its way out of her body. He found himself wishing that he¡¯d told her he loved her sooner. Or maybe wishing that he hadn¡¯t been so damned arrogant in the first ce, and then they would never have been in this situation.

    But he wouldn¡¯t have unwished that. Not for the world. Because hand in hand with his natural fears for Sasha and their baby came the most breathless excitement he had ever felt. As if a miracle was happening right now and right here. And he was part of it.

    The midwife who admitted her onto thebor ward was Sister Beth-the same rather bossy nurse who had given Sasha such a stern lecture when she had been taken there with the bleed, all those months ago. But now her face was wreathed in smiles as Sasha was wheeled into the delivery room.

    ¡°Hello again, my dear!¡± she beamed. ¡°I was rather hoping I might be on duty when you came back!¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Nurse, I need to push!¡¯ moaned Sasha.

    ¡°Well, you think you do, dear,¡± said the midwife kindly, clearly not believing a word of it. ¡°That¡¯s what all you first-time mothers say-but because it¡¯s a first baby, I think you¡¯ll find you¡¯ve got a lot longer to wait than that! Now, let¡¯s have a quick look at you¡­¡±

 72

    She lifted up Sasha¡¯s gown and her face underwent a startling transformation. ¡°Oh, good heavens!¡± she eximed. ¡°You¡¯re fully dted!¡±

    ¡°Is that bad?¡± demanded Kaleb.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s wonderful,¡± answered the midwife.¡± It means we¡¯re going to have a baby! And sooner, rather thanter!¡±From N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± Sasha¡¯s voice cracked as she gripped onto his hand, her body tensing up to face the next contraction. ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere, sugar!¡± Kaleb had never known an experience as powerful as seeing his child being born-but along with the pride came panic. He tried telling himself that women had been giving birth for centuries, in conditions far more threatening than the clean and antiseptic surroundings of this hospital delivery room.

    But nothing seemed to take the edge off his fears for Sasha and their baby.

    Nothing, that was, until Sasha gave onest shuddering groan-and a long, skinny object with a shock of dark hair emerged, shouting, into the world.

    ¡°It¡¯s a boy!¡± beamed the midwife, over the baby¡¯s first lusty scream. ¡°A beautiful baby boy.¡± She creased her brows as she deftly delivered the child onto Sasha¡¯s stomach. ¡°And just about the longest-looking baby I¡¯ve ever seen. He¡¯ll be tall-¡±

    ¡°Just like his father,¡± said Sasha breathlessly, and smiled up into Kaleb¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°And would you like to cut the cord, Mr Sullivan?¡± asked the midwife.

    Kaleb would have said that he was one of life¡¯s more confident men, but he knew he would rather risk bungee-jumping from the top of the tallest skyscraper than risk harming his baby son. ¡°I¡¯d rather leave it to the experts,¡± he answered with a tight smile.  ¡°And the name is Luthor.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Is it?¡± said the midwife, with studied casualness, and something in her tone made Kaleb look up at her with a puzzled frown.

    The cord dealt with, the midwifetched the baby onto Sasha¡¯s breast. ¡°I normally go and make you both a cup of tea now,¡± she exined. ¡°Gives you a couple of quiet minutes alone with your baby.¡±

    Once she had gone, the delivery room was filled with the sound of contented glugging, and their eyes met with delight and disbelief over the small dark head.

    ¡°He¡¯s here,¡± said Sasha. ¡°And somehow it feels as though he was always meant to be.¡±

    Kaleb swallowed as he bent to wipe a damp strand of hair away from her forehead, and he was overwhelmed with a love so pure that he vowed never to forget the way he felt right at that moment. ¡°Thank you, Sasha,¡± he said simply.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡± She looked up and her eyes were shining. ¡°Isn¡¯t he beautiful?¡±

    ¡°He sure is. As beautiful as his mother.¡±

    ¡°No. Much more beautiful!¡± she insisted, confidently moving the baby onto the other breast while Kaleb watched with wondering eyes.

    ¡°Where ever did you learn to do that?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± said Sasha, with a slow smile. ¡°I just knew he was finished on that side. And we¡¯re going to have to choose a name for him soon-I can¡¯t keep saying ¡±he¡± and ¡±him¡± the whole time! Did you have any ideas in the car?¡±

    Kaleb shrugged. ¡°Sort of. You say first.¡±

    ¡°Well, I quite like Nick.¡± Sasha stroked the downy head.  They were interrupted by the return of Sister Beth, who was looking at Kaleb with a definite question in her eyes. ¡°So. Have youe to any decisions yet?¡±

    Kaleb smiled. ¡°Not quite. Though we both like the name Nick.¡±

    The midwife threw him one of her despairing looks. ¡°Mr Luthor!¡± she eximed. ¡°Have you not asked this poor girl to marry you yet?¡±

    The dark eyes lit up with amusement as he met Sasha¡¯s eyes. ¡°Well, she might not agree to have me.¡±

    The midwife gave a loud sigh which was obviously meant to signify her disapproval of false modesty.

    ¡°Will you marry me, sugar?¡± he asked softly.

    Sasha was tempted to giggle with sheer happiness as Nick¡¯s mouth slid sleepily from the nipple. ¡°Kaleb, you don¡¯t have to marry me just for the baby¡¯s sake-¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m not!¡± he put in quickly.¡± I want to marry you because I love you. More than words could ever say. I was intending to ask you earlier, but we¡­ I¡­¡± He grinned and shrugged helplessly. ¡°Fell asleep.¡±

    ¡°Kaleb!¡± she murmured, on a half-hearted note of protest.

    He crouched down beside the bed, so that their faces were very close. ¡°Please say yes, Sasha. Say you¡¯ll marry me.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, and her smile grew huge. ¡°Yes, Kaleb. I¡¯ll marry you.¡±

    ¡°Congrattions! And about time, too!¡± The midwife bent and plucked the sleeping infant from Sasha¡¯s arms and put him gently over her shoulder. ¡°You and I are going down the corridor while I clean you up, young man,¡± she crooned softly. ¡°Because your father has just asked your mother to marry him, and now they want a few moments¡¯ peace and quiet to kiss each other. And they¡¯d better make the most of it!¡± she finished darkly.

    Sasha sent a half longing nce in the direction of the door as it closed quietly behind Sister Beth and little Nick. Acknowledging already the first pangs of separation from her child. But he would be back soon. Then she reached up her arms for Kaleb, who was in the process of breaking goodness only knew how many hospital rules-since he had slipped off his canvas deck-shoes and was now sliding a delicious denim thigh forward as he joined her on the bed. He put his arms around her and looked deep into her eyes.

    ¡°When shall we get married?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Who cares right now?¡± she responded softly.

    They kissed until Kaleb wryly warned her that they had better stop-unless she wanted to get pregnant again! So they wrapped their arms tightly around one another instead. And that was where Sister Beth found them when she carried their son back in-the two of them fast asleep, blissfully curled up on the hospital bed!

    The baby gave a cry, and two sets of startled eyes snapped open.

    ¡°Your turn,¡± mumbled Sasha sleepily.

    ¡°My pleasure,¡± murmured Kaleb . He got off the bed carefully, so as not to disturb Sasha, and then tenderly took his son from the midwife¡¯s arms and began to rock him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    THE END

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

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