BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER

Kaleb sighed again. “No, I knew I wanted you. I just didn’t think we would reach this stage, you know… With the baby and…” he ran his hand through his hair, “… I thought it wasn’t a big deal, but it began to be, and I was going to tell you.”

“When?” Sasha breathed.

“I honestly don’t know, Sasha,” Kaleb said truthfully. “I don’t want to lie to you. There were times when I almost did and then for some reason I… I

couldn’t… Or didn’t… I don’t know”

It was difficult for Sasha to understand him, and even harder to understand herself. She was so weak over him. What was she seeing in him? Yes he was handsome, sexy, rich, but was that enough to totally go nuts over him?

“No, the answer is simple, Kaleb ,” she uttered. “You just enjoyed seeing what a fool I am for pulling off my pants for you every time despite knowing you had a girlfriend. Was it entertaining?” She wanted to release all her doubts.

“That never crossed my mind, Sasha, you’re being unfair,” Kaleb said, his voice hurt. “But you know what? You’re absolutely right. I’m a jerk, inconsiderate, and maybe selfish. I can’t give you what you’re probably looking for, Sasha. Because in the end, every girl dreams of the prince charming.”

“What?” Sasha was wary.

Kaleb smiled gently. “You’re no exception, Sasha. Just like every other girl, you’re also dreaming of that sweet charming guy, don’t you? But I’m not the prince charming. I can’t be the man of your dream and I know that for a fact.”

“What are you trying to say?” Sasha could feel her heart pounding faster, fright filling her insides.

“I’m saying I’d stick to my part as just the baby daddy,” said Kaleb. “I’ll keep my word and take care of the both of you as much as I can, but I’ll leave you alone…because I’m clearly not the man for you and I can’t give you the kind of relationship you want. I’m always hurting you in one way or another and I don’t think you want to deal with that.”

“And you think that’s the solution?” Sasha snapped, staring horrified at him.

Kaleb faced her. “I’m leaving you alone, Sasha, just as you wanted. I won’t bother you about us, so you can go back to your life before we… Before things got out of control.”

Sasha looked at him, and no syllable came out of her mouth. Only tears brimmed in her eyes, one blink and they would’ve streamed down her face. She clutched her belly. Did he really think that after everything that had happened, her life could ever be the same?

“Fine,” she finally breathed without breaking eye contact with him. “As you wish, Kaleb. You can have your room back….. I’m going to bed,”

————–

Sasha couldn’t sleep. The baby was so active this period, and for some reason tonight, the baby wouldn’t settle.

‘Eager to come into the world, I see’ Sasha said as she finally sat up in her bed. Two weeks later, she and Kaleb had gradually fallen back into their old routine apart from the sex part. At this point she was both eager and scared of what would be their fate when the baby finally came.

Slipping her feet into comfy slippers, Sasha pushed her way through the silent hallway like a thief, without any idea on whether Kaleb was asleep or not. It was probably midnight already, she thought.

She passed by his bedroom, and then stopped for some reason. It was closed, as expected, and she stood outside the door as though conflicted over her next decision. It was stupid, and she had gathered that much, but she was still there. It was something she couldn’t control, and she wondered what a crazy woman she’d turned out to be.

“What are you doing?” A voice startled her, and she nearly jumped.

Kaleb! She comprehended right away.

She whirled around to face him. “Um, nothing, I just…. I was just on my way to the kitchen to get a drink,” she answered.

Sleazy move.

“You wanted to get a drink?” Kaleb sauntered closer, frowning.

“Yes, that’s what I just said.” Sasha held her breath, surprised that he had been out up to this time. Her heart tightened.

“Okay, let’s pretend I believe you,” Kaleb muttered lazily, and Sasha discerned the ruffled state he was in, barely holding his full equilibrium.

Shirt half-buttoned, hair a bit ruffled, and eyes darker.

“You were drinking?” she asked reproachfully.

Kaleb neared the door, only a step from her. “I was. Why? Were you waiting for me?” He smirked.

“Of course not! Why would I wait for you? And you’re drunk,” Sasha retorted. “Is that what you were doing awake all this time?”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

A faint smile escaped Kaleb’s lips, making her frown. He sighed heavily before saying, “I can’t believe you still love whining.” His gaze was cajoling.

“I’m not whining, Kaleb. I’m only asking,” Sasha snapped.

Why was she so concerned about him despite everything? She hated this.

“Why should I answer your question, Sasha? Are you my wife?” Kaleb asked, chuckling.

“Asshole,” Sasha murmured under her breath, anger surging back into her system.

Briskly, Kaleb seized her shoulders, holding her closer. “I left you alone but you’re still lurking around. What do you want from me, Sasha?” His voice was laced with menace, his eyes raw.

Sasha could feel her heart beating fast, but she didn’t budge.

“I want to torture you the same way you’re torturing me! I want you to feel exactly what you’re making me feel! In that case, I’ll make sure you don’t get to feel at peace after twisting my life around, Kaleb Luthor. You don’t deserve it,” she said, looking him straight in the eyes.

“What?”

“You heard me. I won’t leave you alone, Kaleb.”

Kaleb’s eyes faltered as he slowly released her. Why was he bothered about this? He wanted her far, but seeing her all he needed was to hold her close, kiss her, hug her, and just sleep by her side-even without getting inside her pretty thong.

“Go to your room and sleep, Sasha. It’s late.” He reached for the door knob, his steps unstable.

He really didn’t want her anymore. Sasha felt a sharp pain at the thought, her eyes getting watery as he pushed the door to draw himself in. She sucked in an audible breath, ready to go back to her room and find that sleep, when she suddenly heard him stumbling onto something.