He passes the contract to Sai, who I’m sure doesn’t even read half the amendments before scribbling his name. Julien takes it, barely glances over the page, signs, then passes it to Kane.
He does read them, each sentence, word, piece of punctuation—but gives nothing away.
In that time, I start to overthink everything I’ve written, until there’s a soft twitch at the corner of his mouth. A soft huff of air.
And then… he signs.
“Who’s at the top of the leaderboard?” Sai suddenly asks.
“Kane.” At my immediate response, Kane pauses, peering up from the contract to me. I smile at the shock he tries to hide. “Are you busy tomorrow?”
He freezes.
I fidget with the bedding between my fingers. “I just thought… maybe we could start the dates tomorrow? If you’re free.”
Nothing.
All my other bonds look or turn to Kane.
“Wake the fuck up, mate.” Sai’s staring at him the hardest. “This is painful. Should I shock the poor guy—”
Then Kane nods.
It’s a response, but not exactly an answer. Still, it’s so endearing and unlike him, I can’t help but smile again. “Is that a‘yes, I’m busy’or—”
“No. I’m not busy.”
“Great.” I beam, shifting off the bed and holding out my hand.
His eyes never leave mine as he finishes signing, then hands the contract back to me, our fingers lightly brushing.
“Pleasure doing business with you gentlemen.” I glance back at them all. “Is anyone else hungry?”
I leave the bedroom with the contract in hand, and a smug smile, because I know asking for food will make them happy, and I realise… that’s what I want.
Julien flits ahead of me, already in the kitchen with his sleeves rolled up to reveal those smooth, dark arms. Then the others flit in, and immediately begin doing something.
An easy conversation sparks about ordering more food, Ezekial’s instantly on his phone while asking what I want without even bothering to check with anyone else. Julien claims head chef duty, but keeps a wary eye on Sai who’s chopping things with a knife far too big for the task. When he starts waving it around mid-story, Julien plucks it from his hand without a word.
And Kane… Kane only leaves my side to fetch me things, things I don’t even ask for but happily accept. Like the coffee I’m sipping now, even though it’s well past midnight.
Before long, we’re sprawled across the kitchen, contract abandoned, half-empty glasses and plates scattered over the marble island.
The evening blurs into one of those rare, easy nights where serious talks about the barrier, enforcer training, and Council politics are broken up by ridiculous bets, teasing jabs, and Sai’s attempt to teach me how to insult someone in Faeish.
Throughout it all, they check in with me. Little things—a touch to my arm, a glance, a question. It’s so easy, and I let myself lean into it.
I don’t even realise how late it’s gotten until a soft grey light spills through the window.
Ezekial glances at his phone with a grimace. “I need to speak with Delphine.”
I glance at Kane who catches my eye instantly, like he’s been waiting for me to look his way.
I smile. “Still free for that date later?”
Chapter 44: Kane
I’ve never been on a date.
