G R E E D

P A R T F I V E

© Amber Kalkes 2015

Song: "High By The Beach" By Lana Del Rey

P A R T F I V E

"I should be coming with you."

I paused for only a moment before continuing to fold my clothes for my trip. The afternoon after my meeting with Alec, I'd gotten word that my father was leaving for China earlier than expected. I didn't need to be told twice because within moments of hanging up the receiver I was already booking a flight to the west coast.

"You know that's impossible."

"It isn't and we both know it isn't," Roland said tersely before pushing off the doorframe to walk up behind me.

I tensed at his presence being so close but I didn't stop packing. I didn't want to show that he affected me. To do so would mean admitting to affection that I refused to indulge in. Roland was someone I trusted and cared for but anything more substantial was out of the question. I liked him too much to be in love with him.

"My father tracks my money movements Roland. Do you really think he doesn't watch yours as well?"

"I have cash on hand Odette," Roland said lowly as his hands came to sit on my shoulders. My body relaxed at his touch but my mind went tense. Roland was so comfortable with me now that it made me uncomfortable. That was the main reason for my distance and also why I moved out from under his hands before I spoke again.

Walking towards my closet I kept my back to him, "I just don't think it's a good idea. Devin-"

"Likes me," Roland said, cutting me off, "I'm not a stranger to him Odette. I'm not a stranger to you either but ever since this whole clause came up with your trust you've become distant. Well, more distant than normal I should say."

I shut the drawer hard before turning to finally face him. I wish I could say that facing him head on helped my resolve to keep him at a distance but it only weakened it. He was dressed in a black v-neck sweater with sleeves rolled to his elbows, black pants and black boots. His dark hair was a tousled mess on the top of his head while his dark eyes remained passive. My fingers twitched but I clenched them into a fist in hopes of keeping them to myself.

"What is your point?"

"My point is," He said as he made his way towards me slowly, "That if this 'deal' you have with that pompous ass of a blue blood goes as planned, I don't want you forgetting that I'm here too."

I suppressed a smile as I asked, "Are you jealous?"

His look was dubious, "Odette I'm being serious here."

"So am I."

Roland sighed heavily before reaching up to cup my face. I let him do this without much hesitation. To be honest, at that moment, I needed it. The business with Devin had been hanging on me since I'd gotten that call. Comfort was not something I sought openly but if it was offered by someone I trusted I was more willing to accept it. Sex did not automatically mean trust but I did have trust with Roland.

"I'm trying to tell you that I'm not leaving your side until you send me away. Until you tell me that you don't need me I'm going to be here every step of the way."

My insides warmed at his words but my face remained placid. My lips parted a bit as I tried to think of something to say but nothing came. I wanted to thank him for his kindness and his loyalty but that seemed too sentimental for us. Instead I decided to thank him in a way I would be more comfortable with.