DEVIL'S HIGH

CHAPTER 25

KIARA’S POINT OF VIEW

“Kia, what is taking you so long?”

Thank God. Thank heavens. Thank the mighty ones and everyone who is looking after me right now for sending Keres.

“I am in here.”

I shouted, my brain finally starting its motor again. Both the large hands that blocked me were now removed, but he maintained his position and didn’t move an inch.

“Is there someone outside?”

I asked Keres as the laughter and other voices were not heard anymore, and I wondered when they stopped. All I could hear was the shuffling of hangers, which should probably me my best best best friend.

”There is no one outside. Should I check the cabins as well?”

On hearing her question, I almost ripped off the knob before pushing the door and stumbling on the clothes that have fallen from my hands earlier.

I could feel Samael keenly watching my every move and it made me extremely cautious, but since Keres was standing on the side of the dressing room, she couldn’t see the inside of the cabin.

“Where are the dresses? Did it fit you properly?”

I bit my lips and shook my head, wanting to run away from the congested space before it gets more awkward.

“None? Are you sure? You don’t like it because it’s too revealing for you, right? Come on, let me see. Try it on again.”

I didn’t stop her when she walked forward and was about to step in when she briefly screamed and jumped back from the door after seeing the other person. She placed her hand over her heart, as if to calm it, and then looked back at me. Samael was still shirtless, and he glanced at Keres as if challenging her to do something.

Surprising all of us, Keres stomped over the expensive clothes and punched Samael on his face, causing him to stumble and hitting his back on the mirror.

Holy mother of sweet baby Jesus, she didn’t just do that.

The devil’s son was taken aback by this bold side of Keres and my eyes widened at seeing the blood dripping from the corner of his lips. He too must have tasted it, as he lifted his thump to wipe some of it and stared the red liquid in pure astonishment.

“Did you just hit me?”

There was no anger in his voice but only confusion and bewilderment. It was as if he couldn’t believe a mere girl physically assaulted him. To be honest, neither could I.

“Yes, and I will not hold back if you try something like this on Kiara again. I am not scared of you guys anymore.”

Keres glared at Samael’s smirking face and grabbed onto my long sleeves before dragging me out of the dressing room. I turned back once to see Samael winking at me and I regretted my action. I am certain that he isn’t done with me.

We only stopped walking once we were at the car park and Keres swirled to me, her narrow eyes examining every part of my body. I felt like crying from happiness as I saw the look of real concern in her eyes. I thanked the heavens for blessing me with such a friend who would do anything for me.

”Did that bastard do anything to you? How did you end up with him? Sh*t, did he follow us? F**k, I knew that he was a stalker.”

I laughed shakily, as my body has still not recovered from the previous encounter. And I realized that it was just me because Keres looked unaffected even after seeing Samael’s naked torso. In fact, she didn’t even bat an eye and looked down as I shamelessly did. There is no point in thinking about it now. The damage was already done.

I drew my attention back to my endlessly cursing friend and smiled at her reassuringly.

“I am safe, woman. You know he can’t touch me.”

And yet he made my heart go crazy and my legs a jelly. How can he do that even without making any direct contact?

“He may not be able to touch you, but that doesn’t mean he can’t mentally harass you. He is known for being an enchanter like his mother.”

I shook my head, thinking back. I cannot call that harassment because what I felt wasn’t fear, but something else, something unique. And I don’t think he can do magic to tempt me.

“Nothing of that sort happened, Keres. It was me who entered the cabin while he was changing, thinking it was empty. Because of the boys outside, I couldn’t get out and waited for them to leave.”

I couldn’t bring myself to tell her about the rest of the story, as I was sure that I will not be able to complete it without turning into a red tomato. And I was secretly afraid that Keres would know exactly what I felt at that time. I didn’t want a label too soon, and it was better that way.

”Ah, the boys who were walking out when I came in? That explains it. And I also remember Asmodeus telling me that it was Samael’s favorite shop, as it only sold branded clothes. That’s how I came to know about it, too. But seeing you guys together made me jump to conclusions, especially his attire.”

I glanced at my shoes, her words reminding me of his tattoos.

“Forget it. I always wanted to give him a smack or two. Anyway, should we go back and get those dresses?”

Going back means meeting him again, and that was a big no. I don’t want to feel so helpless and… forget it.

”We’ll drop by some other time. Is that okay?”

”Sure. Besides, this is not the only mall here. We can go to another.”

Keres got in her car, and I followed. She may not show it, but I saw her glancing at me several times and I just stared out of the window. My mind kept rewinding the recent episodes, and I was afraid I would squeal in embarrassment. Why did I have to gawk at him like a bad girl? I was raised better than that, for heaven’s sake.

We went to another departmental store, which was smaller than the one before and less cramped. Keres accompanied me everywhere, even to the bathroom, and paid for everything despite my resistance. We went grocery shopping too and purchased some toys for Asher. Keres and Ashy have bonded very much, and he whines every time she leaves.

Gladly, she was staying with me for the weekend as her mother and her boyfriend were throwing a party and Keres was afraid to stay that place when it would be packed with gang members.

We only had one free day, and we decided to turn the entire house more comfortable and lively. The set of furniture would be delivered by night and with Azazel’s permission we will give it a better renovation. And I also plan to tell him about Asher tomorrow.

*********

SAMAEL’S POINT OF VIEW

“Looks like someone was having a heavy make-out session.”

Asmodeus laughed at his own joke and gave a high five to Damien. My three good for nothing friends were sitting in the coffee shop, talking about some recently released game.

“Oh this?”

I asked, pointing at the wound and smiled at the i***t while settling on the only other vacant chair.

“This is a gift from your ex-girlfriend. How do you think it looks?”

The stupid smile on his face vanished in an instant, and his lips set into a thin line. That’s what I thought.

“Don’t talk sh*t about Keres, Samael. We may have broken up but I will never give up on her.”

I scoffed and grabbed Leviathan’s cold coffee before gulping it down in one go.

“Who the hell said I was joking? I t was because of you that I held back and honestly, I never knew she was this loyal and bold. The Keres I knew always bought friends with money, but I think it is different with Kiara.”

All three of them were staring at me in utter confusion, and I bit my cheeks to prevent the laughter from escaping. If only they knew what happened.

……………………

”And then Keres pulled her by the sleeves and stormed out, leaving me with a bruise.”

I briefed them on everything, excluding the intimate parts between me and Kiara. Just like the library incident, this was supposed to be our secret and highly doubt her babbling about it to Keres.

“Wow, I wish I was there to see her wild side. I never imagined Keres would stand up for someone else, especially for an angel. My girl is a real star.”

I thought it was better to replace the lover boy’s orbs with two hearts. He was so cliché and ‘I AM WHIPPED’ was written in bold letters on his forehead.

“Samael, you didn’t scare her, right? We want to have her close to check if she knows anything about my speculations. I was planning to talk to her about studies and befriend her.”

I shrugged my shoulders, suddenly not liking his plan at all, especially when he could touch her. I don’t know why, but I realized that I was possessive of Kiara. Maybe it’s because I hate her too much or care for my friend too much. As if.

“Do you have another idea?”

Leviathan asked, seeing the grimace on my lips. Just then, I had the perfect solution to all our problems.

I took a chilli flavored potato chip from the plate and bit on to it dramatically. They awaited for me eagerly and I showed them my toothy smile.

“I am going to date her.”

……………………………