3.1 | Complete Me ✔

Rock That Body

"Good morning, Miss Blacke!" the librarian greeted cheerfully. The woman was notoriously nasty to the visitors, but not to Saber. She was the most quiet and punctual, but naturally, that's the way it had to be for a playwright.

Gotham Library was one of the most beautifully constructed buildings in the entire city. These very walls contained countless stories - both literally and figuratively. The medieval charm in its interior design always spirited Saber to another realm; a dimension among dimensions.

The best part as that she had a special nook all her own. No one ever disturbed her there. It was the perfect atmosphere to study a new genre, or being the rough drafts of a new idea. It was a little corner, surrounded by ceiling high bookshelves and and windows. The lighting was exceptional at every angle, whether she was sitting in the antique wing-backed chair or the small desk off to the side. She further personalized the space by making all the nearby books romances. 

It was her dreamscape . . .

[S. Rose: Are you sure we can't hang out?]

Scarlett had been texting her nonstop all morning. She insisted that she was busy, but Scarlett was relentless.  She usually backed off with that explanation, but today, she wasn't taking no for an answer for some reason . . .

[Demortalis: I'm sorry, but I really am busy today. We can hang out tomorrow, I promise.]

[S. Rose: But I have some really big news! Where are you? I could come meet you!]

[Demortalis: If you must know, I'm at the library. I'm in the process of writing a new play!]

[S. Rose: Ohhh, I see. Okay. That's more important. I'll talk to you later then!]

Just like that, the incessant messages stopped. Scarlett wasn't normally so adamant, but Saber didn't have time to think about it. She finally had zero distractions from her work.

Her research consisted of shrines and dragons. She had gathered books upon books on the two themes. She only meant to read a chapter, or a few excerpts from each, but they were turning out to be too intriguing to put down, especially this book about the most famous shrines around the world and the stories behind them.

She paused midway through the book when she realized there was a second volume. She stood from her chair and advanced toward the bookshelf. 

They were all massive, and to anyone who was terrified of heights, completely intimidating. Not to mention, out of luck, since none of the staff was ever inclined to help.

She gently whistled as she searched from the book's companion. Her eyes roamed wide and high, but she saw no sight of it. She would have to climb . . .

Setting the book gingerly on the floor, she ascended the ceiling-high ladder. As she neared the top, she found what she was looking for , but the book was wedged so tightly that when she finally freed it, a cloud of dust hit her square in the face. She lurched back in surprise, her foot catching on the ladder notch. 

The book flew from her hand as she fell. Her arms flailed wildly, and her shock stole her ability to scream. But her fall didn't end in broken body parts or instant death, but in the powerful arms of Kaldur. He set her down like a feather had landed on him, and she immediately collapsed against the shelf, her heart pounding in her ribcage.

"What were you thinking?" he asked in a low, rumbling tone. "You could have killed yourself!"

"What the hell are you doing here?!" she snapped back.

"Saving your ass, obviously. There's people here to do this sort of thing for you."

"No, there isn't," she huffed, straightening her clothes and storming pass to recover the book. "I have work to do, so I don't want to argue."

"Well, thank me properly instead," he said, grabbing her arm and spinning her toward him. 

"What do you know about propriety?" she hissed, snatching away from him. "Should I also thank you for making out with my sister right in front of me?"

To her surprise, he smirked at her, as if he felt no remorse for his offense. He suddenly stepped closer to her, and she instinctively backed away. Once he had her backed against another bookshelf, she slapped him as hard as she could. He recovered slowly, and she was glaring at him with all the rage she could muster.

Suddenly, she dropped the book, and their mouths were crushed together, her hands quickly climbing his broad shoulders as their lips twinned passionately. It was breathtaking until she shoved him away and wiped her mouth. Kaldur cleared his throat, his eyes alight in a way that made her stomach roil.

"Are you seriously avoiding me because of what happened at the beach?"

"How did you find me?" she asked, a flush of guilt coloring her face.

"Scarlett, of course," he grinned wickedly. "She doesn't care if you know, either."

"Well, we can't do that anymore," she said, picking the book up and heading to her desk.

"Why not?" he asked, trailing her. "Do you really hate kissing me that much?"

"I-I can't give myself to you!" she said resolutely. "I'm sorry, but I can't let it go. The fact that you've already been with my sister."

"If I could change it, I swear I would," he said, grabbing her hands so that she was forced to face him. "I'm sorry I betrayed you back then, okay? But you're the only woman I want now."

"Kaldur--" she gasped as he pulled her closer.

"Please don't say no to me," he said lowly, their noses almost touching. "What, is there someone else?"

"No," she said, turning away as her blush darkened. "I'm . . . just not sure right now. I need time, please."

She looked up to him with a gentle smile and patted his face. He blinked at her a moment before slowly releasing her.

"I'm sorry. I'm not trying to force you. Of course it's okay if you really don't want to be with me."

"Really?" she said with an uneasy laugh.

"Yes, yes. It's completely your decision," he smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Okay . . . good," she said, frowning a bit. "I think I'm gonna go now. Scarlett has something important to tell me."

"Okay. See you later," he said, promptly turning on his heel and leaving. She sighed as the heavy aura disappeared with him, and she rubbed the place over her heart.

Why did she feel like he wasn't really okay with the thought of her rejection? Like if she said no, it would ruin the only male relationship she'd ever cared about. Was Kaldur Ahm really such a shallow, self-centered man?

[Demortalis: I've realized my foolish mistake . . . I should have killed you the first time I said I would!]

[S. Rose: Oh? Does that mean you're done with work?]

[Demortalis: What do you consider the worst way to die? Be descriptive, so I can get it perfect.]

[S. Rose: I need you to come meet me at Scarlet Stitches. Mr. Wayne has a very special request for us, and I need your measurements.]

Saber raised a brow, wondering what the occasion was. She already knew Scarlett wouldn't spill the beans until she showed up, so she sighed as she cleared the space up. She headed out of the library in a daze, tracing her fingers over her lips the whole way.