BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER

“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 play cards? You know, like we used to play 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, ‘Claire’.

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 Claire. Claire was his girlfriend and she was just the lady who’d gotten pregnant for him. She knew she shouldn’t feel angry and jealous… But she was.

————

She was the most infuriating woman he’d ever met in his entire life, Kaleb thought two weeks later as he drove back to Sasha’s place 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, glaring 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.

“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 play 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 succumb to it.

“You’re such an asshole!” she muttered, panting softly.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

“An asshole indeed?” Pulling back, Kaleb began laughing 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, come 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 glanced at her.

Sasha huffed. What for? “And why should I comply 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, Sasha complied.

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, glaring 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 his laughter. “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 me lately. You complained 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.”