Page 20 of Felix and the Spy

“Felix!” General Petronilla waved at him from the front door. He hastened in her direction, a smile pasted on his face.

“General Petronilla.” Felix embraced her in a friendly hug. “It has been a while since I saw you.”

Dressed in a loose black shirt and brown linen trousers, she towered several inches over him. Her brown hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, her long fingers intertwined with a young boy who stood at her side.

“And who might this be?” Felix asked, offering the beady-eyed boy a smile. Maybe in a couple of years, he’d have a grandson like that too. He had demon eyes, he recognized it right away, with a mop of short black hair clinging to his round head.

“That’s my son,” Petronilla said with a smile, as the boy shyly clung to her thigh, burying his face behind her hip. “Kaiser, say hello to Felix.”

“Hello.” Kaiser’s voice was low, his large baby eyes looking up at him. Round, pink cheeks hung over his jaw, baby fat he hadn’t yet lost. He must be around seven or eight, Felix estimated. He pulled out a box of cookies he’d picked up on the way. When he extended it, Kaiser grabbed it from him.

Petronilla smiled at him, eyes lit up at the sight of something sweet. “Say thank you,” she prompted.

“Thank you.” Kaiser hurried back inside with the box of chocolates, eager to eat some.

“Kaiser loves everything sweet,” Petronilla said. “He takes after Acelina.”

Felix knew Kaiser wasn’t Petronilla’s biological son, even though she thought of him as such. Neither she nor her wife knew who his biological father was. He had once fancied trying to find out but didn’t want to interfere in Petronilla’s life.

“Is Amara here yet?” he asked.

“No,” Petronilla parted the curtain at the front door and let him in. Minimalistic dried flowers in black lacquered vases decorated the reception area.

“Oh, we have a guest.” A dark-eyed woman in an off-shoulder kimono dress glanced up at Petronilla.

“This is Felix, my colleague,” Petronilla introduced him. “Felix, this is Lily. She takes care of things around here.”

“Delighted to make your acquaintance.” Felix beamed at her, not knowing how he was supposed to greet a courtesan. He’d been to pleasure houses once or twice with colleagues but wasn’t in the habit of frequenting them.

Lily smiled back at him. “Acelina is in the white room.”

“Thank you,” Petronilla led the way, telling him about her

When the door opened, Acelina was sitting inside. Dressed in a pastel pink kimono, her raven hair tied back in a complex bun, she was every bit the beauty she was reputed to be. With pink lips shaped like a rosebud, a perfectly proportioned petite body, and eyes dark as outer space, she was the kind of woman who was intrigued and pleased with her appearance.

Petronilla moved to her wife’s side, and Acelina slid her arm around her waist. They glanced into each other’s eyes, still in love after eight years of marriage.

“I’m glad I finally get to meet the elusive head of the Secret Service. Petronilla keeps talking about you, but I’ve never had the chance to meet you before.” She stepped forward.

“Good evening,” Felix cocked his head politely. “I am happy to finally make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise.” Acelina extended her hand, and he took it. When her fingers slipped away, she said, “You know what, I’m going to give you one of my courtesans for free tonight. On the house. You can have your pick.”

“Ummm…” Before Felix could voice a retort, the door opened again. All eyes turned to Amara, who stood at the helm, wearing a bright blue blouse and a long black skirt. Her feet were bare and Felix’s eyes immediately went to them. His mouth went dry. Amara looked much like she always did, her dark curls pinned up, her tanned skin devoid of makeup, and her little nose tilted up. Yet, he was attracted to her—to her plain, honest brand of beauty that shone without adornment. His heart rate picked up as she walked in, her little toes stepping on the mat. He wanted to press his lips to every inch of her skin, kissing those beautiful toes all the way up her inner thigh —

“Good evening.” She nervously glanced at Acelina and Petronilla. When her eyes met his, she swallowed, her bronzed, smooth throat working.

In a few short steps, she closed the distance between them.

“Welcome to Duality.” Acelina recovered, moving forward to embrace her.

Amara hurriedly deposited a wine bottle she was carrying in her arms. “Thank you for inviting me. I’ve never been here before, but I’ve heard a lot about Duality.”

“It is my pride and joy.” Acelina beamed, accepting the bottle.

Petronilla smiled at Amara. “You’ve brought Acelina’s favorite thing. She loves to drink.” Even while she said it, her palm stroked her wife’s shoulders, a proud smile breaking on her lips. Felix wondered if he’d been like her long ago. Or had he always been this reserved, this empty?

Felix sat down on the mint green cushion when Acelina did. Amara sat next to him, their feet brushing for a moment before she settled a few inches away, clearing her throat.

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