Besotted (18+) ✔️ [A Nigerian Romance]

Thirteen

Kachi wasn't home when they got back to the house. She quietly followed Chike inside, trailing him as he showed her the room she'd stayed the other night. When he left her to change to more comfortable clothes, Ada finally let out the breath she'd been holding.

Entering Lagos had set her on edge. She feared someone might recognize her and take a picture, after all she'd been a popular figure until two years ago. The huge glasses and scarf she'd donned had not felt enough, although it was a source of amusement for Chike who continuously teased her. She'd not found any of his jokes funny, her mind at a state of unrest. Even while in the tinted car, she'd feared someone would see and then John would find out. Thinking about the drama that would enfold if it happened caused her to shudder.

She let out another breath, shaking off the nerves. She was here now and all she could do was hope that she'd gotten here undetected. Ada selected shorts and a tank top before going downstairs to hunt for food. As a rule, she didn't eat before any journey. A previous experience that had her spending the entire hour of a flight in the bathroom was something she never wanted a repeat of.

Chike was in the kitchen and she'd tracked him solely by his cologne. She didn't know what it said about her, but she'd recognize that Bacarrat rouge smell anywhere. He offered her one of those smiles that warmed her heart as she approached.

"What are you making?"

"Not making, heating up. I found soup in the freezer. Water for garri will soon be ready."

"I'll make the garri." She brought out a bowl and a spatula and placed them beside the can of garri.

"The person that cooks for Kachi is a wonderful chef. I'm thinking of hiring him to come in once a week once I find a place," Chike said, turning off the heat and helping her pour out the hot water. Ada began making the garri while he brought out plates.

"You're looking for a place?" She eyed him. He'd kept that information from her, before she could say anything stupid though, she remembered she'd been the one to ice him out. Thankfully he hadn't seen her expression since his back was turned to her.

"Yes. I like having my space."

"For what? There's a lot of space in here and Kachi has no issues with your presence. He's barely home himself."

"I can't bring lady friends over."

She bristled at that then checked herself. Why was she reacting this way? She'd felt the same tightening in her gut when she'd seen Chike smile at Jane during dinner. Could it be she felt jealous? She shook her head, hoping to dislodge that thought but much like the man in question, they were stubborn. She couldn't possibly be jealous of him dating. There was no reason to be. She and Chike were just best friends, besides she was in love with another person.

"Hurry up then," she said. "We don't want you disappointing said lady friends."

***

Lunch had been mostly quiet and Chike wondered if it was because of what he said. He really didn't plan on inviting anyone home and had said it just to see her reaction. She'd seemed chill and that confused him.

Ada had dozed off in the middle of the movie they'd been watching, so Chike used the time to look at her. While she was asleep, he wouldn't need to mask the fervor in which he stared at her. He counted her freckles, noting they were fifteen, same number as they'd been the last time she'd slept here.

The door opened and Chike shushed Kachi before the bastard could make a stupid comment or worse wake Ada. Slowly extricating himself from her, he left the sitting room and motioned for Kachi to come with me.

"Lover boy," Kachi immediately teased the moment they were alone in the kitchen.

"Stop it jor."

"Have you guys made up? Or better still have you finally confessed?" Kachi opened the fridge, pulling out two cans of beer. He handed one to his friend and then propped his body against the kitchen counter.

Chike eyed the man. "We made up, but I've not confessed anything and you better not tell her. She's still dating that John guy."

"Relax man, I won't steal your thunder, mostly because I want to see you squirm. However, you should just tell her what's on your mind. I'm sure if you confessed she'd dump the guy and go for you. You're more handsome, and way richer compared to him."

Chike shook his head. Kachi really believed good looks and wealth were enough to get a woman to fall in love. Well, he couldn't blame the man because that seemed to be working for him judging by the way women fell into his lap.

"That's not enough to actually get a woman interested. Besides, what if she's in love with him and telling her just makes our friendship weird? Or worse, she she decides to stay away from me."

"I thought this weekend away was for you to find out if she really does love him?" Kachi narrowed his eyes at him, sipping from his drink.

"Kinda, but..." Chike looked at the door, checking to see they were alone. Kachi reached out and shut the door, motioning for him to continue. Most of his house was soundproof so they were relatively safe. "I think she loves him, maybe too much."

"What does that mean? Let's look for reasons to get her to fall out of love then. I know a guy—"

"No. If what I'm thinking is correct, I don't think there's enough to get her to want to leave him. If she's still with him after what he's done, I don't think she'd leave if we bring up anything else."

Kachi scrunched his nose in confusion. "Stop leaving me hanging man. Just spill it."

"I think the bastard is hitting her. I saw a bruise but she kept denying it."

"You saw what?" Kachi's gaze darkened. "Tell me everything."

Chike went into details about how he'd seen the bruise, describing what it had looked like and then telling him how they'd argued about it with Ada solidly defending her piece of shit boyfriend. By the time he was done, he had to physically restrain Kachi from going to confront Ada. The man was all for finding out his address and going to give John a taste of his own medicine.

"Chill out. We need to find out more and confirm our suspicions before doing anything. If we're wrong about this, Ada will have my head," Chike pleaded with his hotheaded friend, grateful Azu wasn't here. That one was just too volatile.

"Why are you calm? Your woman is being abused and you're asking me not to do anything."

"Not saying we won't do anything. Just chill let's discuss what we'd do."

"I'm listening. It had better be good else I'd deck you for letting that girl suffer."

Chike rolled his eyes. The guy was just buying the matter as if he himself didn't care. If only Kachi knew how murderous he was feeling at the moment.

"I think they live together so first we need to find out where they stay and then I need to find a house close to them. Then we can sort out the rest. Can you call that guy now?"

"Fine."

***

Our man Kachi is involved 😜 things are about to get wicked and you know it.

What do you think will happen? Do you think Chike is right for playing it so calmly? Or would you prefer he just confronted Ada about John?

Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Remember your words are my motivation to write. I totally enjoy reading your thoughts on each of my chapters and I'm super grateful for them.

Also, don't forget to vote ❤️