Chapter 22: Chapter 22

ESTRELA

I walk down the stairs and as I turn the corner I discover all the chaos left from the party. It even surprises me that there are no sleeping people lying on the floor. Kian is in the process of clearing away some empty bottles and mugs that are scattered around the house. "Would you like me to help you?" I ask Kian, who turns to me and then looks me over carefully.

"No, that's fine. I made coffee, it says on the counter." He smiles at me and points to the kitchen counter where there is a pot and two cups.

"Thank you," I say with a small smile.

"Unfortunately, I don't really have anything to eat. If you want, I can get something for us at a café?" he offers.

"No no, you really don't need to bother," I say immediately.

"It doesn't, does it?" I look at the clock hanging above the kitchen, which reads just after one. Hm, something to eat now really wouldn't be bad.

"OK." I smile shyly and Kian grins contentedly.

"Fine, I'll be back in about 15 minutes. Don't run away." I laugh while Kian cleans up the rest of the trash and then heads off, leaving me alone. Yes, it's not right to snoop around, but I just can't stop myself. The first thing that struck me since I first came here is the bookshelf. He's not very tall and most of the books are just about boxing and fitness. I scan the walls for any family photos, but can't find any. Also nothing like a photo album can be found here. Nothing personal that could point to Kian. I remember the conversation we had in the hotel room. So I asked him where he was born, and I noticed that he wasn't sure of the answer. Also that his parents don't live here and that he has no idea if he has siblings. But why doesn't he know if he has siblings? Maybe he doesn't have a very good relationship with his parents or there are other, less nice reasons. One thing is clear, Kian doesn't give the impression that this is his favorite topic. In general, he seems to be totally withdrawn as soon as it gets too personal. The whole thing is really nagging at my curiosity.

After almost 15 minutes, Kian returns with fresh sandwiches, which we both eat in silence on his couch.

"Do you have to work at the club today?" Kian asks me after we've finished eating.

"Yes," I reply.

"Okay, I'll take you home later," he offers, to which I nod in agreement.

"And you? Do you have training today?" I ask him.

"No, I often take the weekend off."

"You have a fight coming up, right?" Kian sighs, a reaction I wasn't expecting right now.

"Yes, in a week." He doesn't exactly sound like he's looking forward to the fight.

"Is your opponent difficult?" I therefore ask.

"Mmm... yeah you could say that. But that's not the real problem. The fight has been pushed forward for 2 weeks so I have less time to train. Kayden Stell, who I'm fighting, is pretty good," explained he.

"How come a fight is being advanced?"

"Well, some influential sponsor probably." Kian grimaces.

"I've never seen a fight live," I slip out.

"Really? Not even one from your dad." I shake my head. "Well, if you want, you can watch the fight between Kayden and me?" He winks at me. I'll think about it for a moment, I'd be interested. I know how such a fight goes, because I've seen some on TV, including some from my father. There weren't many that I saw as my mother always forbade me to watch any. But as I got older and she couldn't quite control what I watch, I got more insight into the world of boxing. To this day it still frightens me how much pain this sport is associated with. Still, following these struggles has its appeal. And seeing one in person, why not?

"Yes, I would like to be there." I smile.

"Cool, I can get you a front row seat." He grins cheekily at me and I automatically giggle.

"Maybe you'll bring me luck," he murmurs softer now.

"Yes, maybe," I whisper back.

"By the way, I like you a lot, in my shirt." His eyes scrutinize my bare legs closely. "But what's underneath I like a bit more." He puts his hand on my right thigh and gently strokes it. Immediately I get that nice feeling again as soon as he touches me.

KIAN

I'm watching Estrela's reaction to me closely. And I like a lot how she reacts to me. A veil falls into her green eyes and she gets goosebumps as soon as I touch her. God I love the way she looks at me. Like I'm not just someone who's good looking and just there to fuck - no, she's looking at me like she really wants to know who I am. Even though it's not necessarily nice to know who I am, I feel the need to tell her more about myself. I would also like to know more about them. Because I know almost as little about her as she knows about me. Maybe I can get used to it – she tells me something about herself and I tell something about myself. Would I be willing?

My hand is still on her thigh and I don't feel the need to take it away. The slight blush rising in her cheeks makes me smile. Estrela laughs and playfully punches me in the chest, I quickly grab her wrist and pull her to me. I turn her chin to make her look at me. Looking deep into her eyes, I brush the tangled hair off her forehead before leaning down and kissing her. The kiss is not like the previous ones. No, I'll take my time. Reluctantly move my lips to hers before slowly increasing the pressure – savoring it, really feeling it. Her scent envelops me, fogging my senses and I wonder what it is that makes me feel. Her hands gently rest on my shoulders and I move a little closer to her because I can't help myself. I just have to be close to her, I have to feel her. All of her! Our kiss is still gentle, and I don't intend to get any heavier either, as this is perfect right now. It's like we're exchanging something intimate without knowing what it really is. But I do realize that the feeling I get when I see her is something that is both beautiful and scary at the same time. Her hand on my cheek lets me shake off all negative thoughts for a moment and I concentrate on her ... until my cell phone rings and Estrela backs away, startled, as if she, like me, had put this pale one in you. The name flashing on my display ruins the whole vibe. Yes,

Unfortunately, it is Gabriel who is calling. I can read from Estrela's face that she saw who it is. "Better answer it. I think he's angry enough."

So I answer the call with a hum. "Yes?"

"Warren, I'll expect you at the Dark Palace in two hours!" he growls into the phone. Without my being able to answer anything, he already hangs up.

"What did he want?" Asks Estrela and she has a guilty conscience looking at it a little.

"Oh, just talk," I say soberly. Although I can expect a gun to my skull later, for sure. But of course I won't tell her that.

"Talk?" she asks. She's not stupid. She knows that reden is not quite what I will expect later.

"Yes." I smile happily at her, even though my heart burns. But since I'm hiding neatly from her. You shouldn't worry about it unnecessarily.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault. If I hadn't kissed Gabriel yesterday-"

"No! Stop it," I interrupt her. "Everyone makes mistakes and that's what I set out for. You don't have to apologize for it," I admit. Of course I understand why she got involved in the game with Gabriel. It wasn't her idea as only Gabriel would come up with shit like that. Even if I unfortunately have to admit that he was successful with it. Yeah, 'cause I was freaking mad when I saw him kiss my girl. And even if it wouldn't be smart, I have to teach him a lesson later that he should never get as close to Estrela as he did yesterday.