Kindred Spirits

prologue

prologue |

Onyx |

Toronto, Canada

"Oh, is that right?" I asked nonchalantly, a disinterested and bored expression etched onto my face. For the fourth time this month, I went on a date with to see if I would find that spark people speak of. Unfortunately, this was just another lost cause.

"Absolutely. The stars are out tonight. Care to come to the beach house with me, see them?" an alluring and seductive smirk carving onto his handsome face. While conversations with Bradley were rather dull, he was undeniably beautiful to me. His physique, his blue eyes, his sculpted lips. Perfect.

Bradley was articulate, charming, ambitious, and any other fourth thing that could represent a man in full. I couldn't find any flaw but for some reason, I wasn't feeling Bradley or his chivalric actions, no matter how perfect he was both physically and personality wise.

It wasn't enough to get over him.

"Sorry, Bradley. I can't but, maybe next time?" I asked as I unroped my Michael Kors bag from the chair. I had shot an attempt at sex down one too many times; the exhaustion in his eyes said that. Sometimes, it seemed if that's all he truly sought from me. If so, how unfortunate. For him.

"Seriously, Onyx? What's stopping you?" he asked lowly, an annoyed expression on his face.

"I have work in the morning." I lied, pushing my bone-straight hair toward the right. His eyes bore into mine, knowingly. I was horrible at lying; the fidgeting, giggling, and eye shifting were just a few of my prime giveaways whenever I fibbed. Which is an important reason why 90 percent of the time, I was direct.

"That's not why." he replied, dotting his finger on the white cloth of the dinner table. For dinner, we settled for a fancy Italian eatery that he knew about in Brampton. His taste in fashion, food, and luxury items were extraordinary. He desired the best; I did too and honestly, I believed I deserved it. Which is why Bradley and I wouldn't be crossing anymore lines. He just wasn't the best for me.

"Okay, you want to know? I'm bored with you, with this. As perfect as you are to most women, I can't find that spark. I don't want to lead you on and make you believe I want this. I actually don't." I explained, being frank and forward. Most people didn't care for my routes for addressing issues but, why beat around the bush? Be straight; it's easier anyhow.

With that acquired skill, it still didn't stop me from telling an occasional white lie. What a shame.

"Hm, okay. We invested a month and this is how it falls. Did you always feel this way?" he inquired, the hood of his blue eyes lowering sadly. Rolling mine, I chuckled inwardly. That puppy dog attempt wouldn't work with me. We're adults.

"Well, sorta. I gave you the benefit of the doubt, Bradley." I sighed, patting the back of his hand. He simply nodded, a weak one. Now, it started to sadden me some. He spotted my sympathetic look, vigorously shaking his head. I wasn't trying to throw him a pity party but, he seemed vulnerable.

"No, Onyx, it's fine. I should've known you were hesitant. Is it because I'm White?" he blurted, taking me off guard. The question was comedic because if his race were an issue, in no way, would I have subjected myself to this.

"C'mon, Bradley. Race isn't the reason why I'm straddling the fence. I just got out of a bad situation..." I trailed, trying to gesticulate with my hands my uneasy feeling about how moving onto another commitment may have been soon.