Page 198 of Stars in Aura

He growled and huffed all the way back to Sable HQ and his penthouse, where a few pieces of hover luggage settled in his living space. ‘Tis a blatant colonization of my space.’

Issa, unbothered, rolled in a few more valises. ‘You wanted me to move in,’ she reminded him.

Ki’Remi shot her a dry look as he kicked shut the door, arms flexing under the weight of her things. ‘You have too much shit.’

Issa feigned offense, clutching her chest. ‘It’s called fashion, Sableman.’

He breathed out, raking his fingers through his locs as he stared at the mountain of suitcases now occupying half his living room.

Then, he spotted two massive haul bags dedicated to shoes.

He tilted his head. ‘Elaris.’

‘Hmm?’

‘Why,’ he exhaled, crouching down to unzip it, ‘do you need twenty pairs of footwear, my love?’

Issa, completely straight-faced, answered, ‘Twenty-six.’

Ki’Remi deadpanned.

She grinned wider.

‘You realize,’ he said, dragging a palm down his face, ‘you only have two feet, right?’

Issa gasped, placing a hand on her forehead like she was on the verge of fainting. ‘Blasphemy.’

Ki’Remi pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘I call on my ancestors to give me patience.’

His gaze narrowed as he stalked into his primary, eyes sweeping over his bedroom closet, where his folded and color-coordinated T-shirts, joggers, and uniforms sat in neat, military-perfect stacks.

Issa followed his line of sight, then turned to grin at him.

‘You tuck your shirts like an autobot.’

Ki’Remi gave her a flat look. ‘I put my clothing away like a disciplined soldier.’

Issa smirked. ‘Same thing.’

He groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead. ‘We’re going to kill each other.’

She laughed, padding toward him, lifting onto her toes to press a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. ‘Nada. You love it.’

Ki’Remi sighed.

She wasn’t wrong.

They proceeded into a session of chaotic unpacking, which led to a few playful arguments.

Most times twas Ki’Remi acting horrified at how she just stuffed her clothes into drawers without folding them.

He decided to distract her in one of the ways he knew how.

With food.

He pulled together a simple yet delicious dinner.

Grilled spiced fish, a side of sautéed greens, and warm, buttered chapati were served with a bottle of aged Dunian rum he had been saving for an exceptional occasion.

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