The Lies That Bind

Chapter 17: Girl Time

I turn my head to see Rey standing in the doorway, his eyes full of shock and horror. Before I can say anything, Kazmir gently pulls me off him and makes a beeline towards Rey. Fists clenched, he towers over my petite, cowering friend, ready to go on the offensive.

Rey backs up, holding his arms out in front of him, "Woah!"

"Who are you and how did you get in here?!" Kazmir booms, lifting the smaller man off his feet by his shirt.

Not wanting a repeat of what happened at the café on Friday, I rush over. "Kaz put him down!" I yell, "It's OK, Rey's my friend!"

Kazmir's icy glare pierces Rey's frightful, brown gaze before he unceremoniously drops him. Rey quickly gets back on his feet, adjusting his attire. "Uh... I didn't know you'd be home so early, Edith..." He looks at me and immediately covers his eyes, "I didn't see anything, I swear!"

"What?" I look down and realize my indecency and cover my chest with my hands. Kazmir offers me his shirt and I quickly put it on. Unfortunately, it doesn't do much to cover my private parts. "I'm sorry Rey, I should have called you."

"I should have knocked..." Rey mutters as he closes the front door so more people don't see my lack of modesty.

"Um," I look between the two, "Rey, this is Kazmir, he's my boyfriend. Kaz, this is my best friend, Rey. He was cat sitting while I was away."

Rey's eyes go wide at the term "boyfriend", but he doesn't voice his opinion as he offers his hand. "Reymond St. James," he announces, "It's uh... nice to meet you."

Kazmir's expression doesn't change, but he reciprocates the gesture with a firm handshake. "Kazmir Kolomna, sorry about before."

Rey smiles a little, "S'okay, no harm done besides a wrinkled shirt."

My boyfriend doesn't respond and instead walks back towards the couch. I look back at Rey guiltily, "Sorry about that. Kazmir is uh... interesting."

"You're worth defending, Lady Edith." Rey shrugs, "I would have appreciated a less aggressive approach. But since you're here, my job is done."

"Thank you."

"Anytime, you know you can ask me for anything." He gives me a hug before opening the door to take his leave, "See you, Lady Edith."

"Until next time, Rey." I say and close the door after him, being mindful to lock it. I turn my attention back to Kazmir, "Was that really necessary?"

"Some strange man I don't know just barges into your home," He replies, walking up to me, "what did you expect?"

"It's my fault for not telling him sooner. And we've only been together two weeks; there are a lot of people you don't know yet that I do."

Kazmir looks at my hands, "Did he give you back your house key?"

I shake my head, "No, he has his own."

His expression darkens, "Why?"

"Because he's my best friend."

"That's not a reason."

I arch my brow, "It's my business, Doctor, and I'd appreciate it if you'd respect my privacy." I walk pass him to gather my clothes off the couch. I hope he likes having his own words thrown back at him.

"I'm staying here for the night."

I stop my journey to my room and look back at him, "Excuse me?"

"I said I'm staying with you for the night," He looks at me. "I hope you don't mind, Miss Lima."

"What for?" I inquire.