Indebted Love

♡ vingt sept ♡

I run my sweaty palm over my thighs as I eagerly nod at Sophie's words- to train with her. To be better, be at April's beginner's level.

Excitement bounced off at every surface of her skin, making me excited and even more eager to learn to tap into women's prowess—the true power of being confident in your abilities and person.

She has seen me fight, gave me some pointers, and applauds the same way Seth does but it's more flirtatious, true, real- nothing beats like a compliment from a woman.

At this moment I feel as though our friendship means a lot more than a marital bond, that I am part of Angel's gang and I have friends outside Katie and Luca. My heart leaps with joy at the revelation, almost missing the change of mood in the atmosphere.

"I always try to look like I am an open book, have multiple layers that it's difficult to see which ones are real or fake," Sophie says, leaning back in her chair and placing her intersected fingers on her stomach.

"That sounds difficult when meeting new people and dating," I comment, thinking back to the first time I met Sophie.

"Well in some way it is but it's to protect myself. People always use your information against you. Plus it gives me time to work out whether it's worth hanging out with that person." I nod in appreciation to what she's saying, faintly remembering pretending to have the same interests as other children when I was younger so I could fit in.

"What's the version of you now?" I ask carefully, leaning back too and taking a quick look over her shoulders, catching the exact moment Seth looks back at me. A passing look makes my heart flutter and my cheeks burn even after he turns back to the cashier.

"It's a little bit of this and a little bit of that," Sophie says vaguely and her eyebrow raises as she catches my glance over to Seth again. Just to see if he looks at me again.

"You've certainly softened up to my brother lately," Sophie comments. I blink as I clear my throat.

"He's a really good teacher," I avoid her eyes, "doesn't get angry with my mistakes and he has more patience than I give him credit for."

Sophie nods in agreement, "Seth does give us girls more confidence in ourselves doesn't he? I remember the time one of the men-Brandon I think he's your bodyguard, bullied me when I was still learning the defense. I only mention it to Seth once, ya know, casually and the next thing I know, Brandon missed two whole weeks of practice! I was never bullied again and everyone was afraid of Seth. This was all before Angel and Seth worked together side by side BTW.

Anyway my point is, you're glowing. Happy, open and so damn beautiful."

I laugh as I shift in my seat.

"Are you flirting with me?" I tease.

Sophie smiles, "Maybe." A devious smile seeps through her lips, "I just wanna see if you notice someone giving you the eyeballs because Seth is blindly obvious with his little secret touches and his good girl. He's never done that with anyone before."

"Oh..." I trail on, unsure and embarrassed as I recall all of the times Seth and I looked at each other, the special attention he gives me in the presence of others.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about," I say with a shrug. Sophie's smile got brighter.

"Yes, you do! Oh my gosh, you should totally prank him- he hates prank that targets him- by flirting with men. He'd be so mad and would go all protective mambo jambo shit."

"Why would I do that?" I interrupted.

"Because he notices everything about you. He can't keep his eyes off you, it's quite sweet actually... wait are you sleeping with each other?"