Page 50 of Malliko
“Are you saying that you convinced a poor woman to throw herself into a sexual exploration with you witnessing the whole thing?"
"Yes. But it’s more like I’m helping her so it’s really a win for both of us.”
Tania stood in my living room with the connecting door between our apartments open. Crossing her arms, she leaned her head to one side and spat out her words. “Did you manipulate her or hypnotize her in any way?”
“No, of course not.”
“I don’t believe you. Her behavior isn’t normal. You must have influenced her in some way. I know you people and your mind tricks.”
“There are no mind tricks involved. Clara has been stuck after her divorce, and I simply suggested that I help her get unstuck.”
“By fucking strangers?”
The judgment in Tania’s tone surprised me. I didn’t appreciate the way Tania made it sound dirty. Walking a bit closer, I searched her eyes. “Is that jealousy I’m detecting? Maybe you’re stuck as well after Soros left. Sensuality is part of your life force, Tania. If I can help Clara get her flow going, I’m doing her a favor. She’s an adult whom I presented with theopportunity to live a little again. She took the chance. Maybe you should consider doing the same.”
“Are you sure she’s not hoping that you’re a part of the package? I told you that humans will find you attractive. Did you show her the picture of us and tell her that you have a fiancée?”
“Yes, I told her all that. I also told her we’re in an open relationship and that I’m free to do as I please.”
“What? Why?” Tania threw her hands up and it made her shirt lift enough to see skin on her midsection, emphasizing how tight and short her multicolored crop-top was. “Then you might as well have told her that you’re single.”
“No. Clara thinks my heart belongs to someone else and that’s the way I want it. It will prevent her from falling in love with me. I don’t want to hurt her in any way.”
Scoffing, Tania pointed out, “But you’re leading her to the wolves. There will always be men who wants to have sex, but it doesn’t mean anything to them. She’s just a warm body or a sexual fantasy.”
Pocketing my hands, I didn’t disagree. “Maybe I’m teaching her not to be afraid of wolves and to howl at the moon. This isn’t forever, Tania. It’s a phase to support Clara’s journey of self-discovery. She wanted to do it but was too afraid. I’m helping her reclaim her sexuality by offering my protection. If you need me to help you as well, let me know.”
“As if I wanted you to watch me have sex.” Tania wrinkled her nose and turned around before walking to the connecting door.
“It’s part of my research,” I said. “It’s called field work.”
Just before she slammed the door shut, she gave me a last verbal punch. “Don’t forget that I’m the result of field work gone wrong. Keep your thing in your pants or I’ll report you for improper behavior.”
“I’m merely an observer,” I reminded her, but I wasn’t sure she heard it with the door closed.
An hour later, I buzzed in Clara. She wore high heels and tight pants that hugged her behind, giving her a juicy ass.
“You look better every time I see you,” I told her and pressed a kiss on her cheek the way I’d seen humans do.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at me. “I’m so nervous, Malliko. I almost didn’t come at all.”
“You’ll be fine. Just remember that you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to.”
“I know.” She smiled and walked into my apartment. “But you know what? I haven’t felt this alive for years. I’m scared, excited, and above all I’m impressed with myself for stepping this far out of my comfort zone. I’m not just thinking about it, but actually doing it.”
After Tania’s strong disapproval of my helping Clara, it felt amazing to hear Clara express how happy she felt.
“I told Lucas that it’s all new to me,” she said and walked to the large windows with the view of the city. “Wow, this place is amazing.”
“Thank you.” I knew that both the location and standard of my apartment surpassed Clara’s living conditions, but I felt no connection to this place. It was temporary and comfortable.
“Anyway, he knows that the part about separating sex and love is new to me and that I’ve never been with someone who isn’t my partner.”
“And what did he say to that?”
“He was curious about your role and wanted to know if you would be playing an active part or observing. To be honest, the thought of anyone watching me have sex is weird, but after yesterday it’s a little different.”
I pointed to the sectional sofa. “Do you want to sit down?”
