KATHA

19 KALKI - PRETTY LIAR

First thing to hit me were the strong aromas.

The kitchen was huge, well organised and clean. Too clean. It didn't look like she handled it all alone. I had no idea where her companions were and I was glad for their absence. My Blush was such a hardworking woman. She dumped the copper plates into the sink roughly. Fury was radiating off her maddeningly beautiful frame in hot waves. At her indignation, I couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction. It was a rare sight, witnessing my composed and witty little Blush with a cutting tongue so ruffled and undone, and I found myself reveling at the knowledge that I had such affect on her. The sparks between us were undeniable, and I was more than willing to fan those flames.

"I must admit, Blush, I've thoroughly enjoyed our little verbal sparring."

She whirled around, pointing an accusing finger at me. "You ! Get out ! Didn't you read the 'only staff' sign in big bold letters or are you illiterate ?!"

"Oh I can read very well I assure you. And I read people just fine as well. Your body is screaming that you're too angry to handle the patrons that might enter the shop anytime. I'm just here to help. You can call me your staff."

She turned her back to me as she busied herself with arranging cups and saucers, her movements deliberate but her irritation evident. "Then I suggest you start reading classes again because I'm completely fine. Why would I be angry ? I have no reason to."

"Kathavali," I began, my tone light yet tinged with a hint of mischief, "You seem a bit flustered."

She stiffened slightly, her shoulders tensing, but she didn't turn around to face me. "Oh please, Samrat. I couldn't care less about your little sweetheart." And there it was.

I chuckled softly, "Is that so ? You're putting on quite a show of not caring. And call me Kalki, please. Or Kiki. Like my friends do."

She finally turned to face me, her expression a mix of defiance and frustration. Her cheeks were red. So much red across her skin. Her skin, a symphony of gold tones, was like the softest silk, inviting my touch as if it were a privilege granted to me and me alone. Right. Anyone who dared touching her would die by my hands.

My feet were moving on their on accord. "I'm not putting on anything. I genuinely don't care."

"Really ? So you're telling me that seeing Gazal all over me didn't bother you in the slightest ?"

Her lips thinned into a tight line, her gaze narrowing at me. "Why would it bother me ? I have no reason to be affected by your antics."

I took a step closer, my voice low and laced with a teasing tone. "So, you're saying you're completely unfazed by the fact that she is practically hanging on to me ?"

She scoffed, a failed attempt at nonchalance. "Yes, Samrat. You could have a parade of women hanging off you, and I wouldn't bat an eye."

When I was just inches away from her, that's when she started to panic. Her eyes went wide and her lips parted. Damn those lips. I had to physically restrain myself from rolling them between my lips and teeth. Her proximity affected me just as much as mine did to her. I could clearly see my woman getting worked up from just my closeness. Nervous and bothered. Hot blood rushed to the apex of my thighs when he rolled her lower lip between her teeth and bit down. Willing my hard-on to calm the fuck down, I looked up into her eyes as I gripped her hips and placed her onto the platform before putting my hands on either side of her. "What are you doing ?" Caging her in, I moved between her legs.

I leaned closer and whispered in her ear, my lips brushing her heated skin with each word, "You know, Blush, you're such a pretty liar."

"I'm not lying. I'm really not interested in your personal affairs."