Page 7 of Inked Desires
He rubs his forehead, a habit I noticed yesterday. Today, he looks less tired. Yet he’s held up all day with me, without complaining once.
The doorbell rings. From where I am, I see who just walked in. I stand.
“Hello, can I help you?” he greets the man.
Kiran stops at the desk, leans forward, and studies his face. From his profile, I sense the shock, but he recovers faster than I do.
“Damn, I almost had a heart attack.”
Andrew tilts his head, his hair falling to reveal his face more clearly.
“Sorry?”
“Nothing. Is Arès here?” he asks.
It’s time for me to step in. I swing the door wide open and come out.
“Kiran.”
I gesture him inside the room.
“Care to explain?” he says, nodding toward Andrew.
My muscles tense.
“Forget it,” I growl.
I’m definitely not giving explanations in front of him.
Kiran gets the hint. Shaking his head, he turns away and moves toward me. I stay still until he disappears inside.
“Bring him a coffee,” I order before slamming the door.
“Why does this guy look so much like William?” Kiran asks as soon as we’re alone.
“No idea.”
“Is he family?”
I roll my eyes. What doesn’t he get about my answer?
“I don’t know. I was as surprised as you.”
Kiran sits in the chair, dark-eyed, arms crossed over his chest.
“Okay, coincidences happen, but why is this guy sitting behind your desk?”
I head to the counter and grab the stencil I prepared.
“Andrew,” I inform him.
“Andrew?”
“That’s his name.”
“Alright. But why is he behind your desk?” he insists.
I sit on the stool next to him.
