Page 72 of Malliko
I could…My head was coming up with all sorts of ideas and for the first time since my evening with Malliko I smiled a tiny bit. I had always wanted to see Europe and I wasn’t afraid of traveling on a budget. Maybe I could talk to my boss Darren and see if he would let me work remotely.
The heaviness in my chest lifted a little as I imagined walking the streets of Paris or riding a scooter in Greece. I was onlythirty-four and had plenty of time to experience the world. I would love to see Asia and visit the boys in Hong Kong.
Now that my car was dead, I took the bus home and felt joy when I made the decision that no matter what, I wouldn’t stay here after my boys moved. Tomorrow, I would call the landlord’s office and let them know I was moving out. That thought alone elevated my mood.
Once I got inside my apartment, I felt a sense of relief that I wasn’t attached to any of the furniture. At least I wouldn’t be sad to sell my items and leave this place.
The knock on my door made me jump a little. I didn’t know any of the neighbors and wasn’t expecting visitors.
Walking closer, I called out. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Malliko.”
The sound of his voice was all it took for my body to react. Opening the door just a little, I checked that it truly was him. Malliko stood in a tight t-shirt that showed off his broad shoulders and toned arms.
“Can I please talk to you?”
“No. Go away.” My words were firm.
“Clara.” Malliko stood rooted outside my door and gave me a look that said he wasn’t going anywhere.
“I mean it. You lied to me. I don’t want to talk to you again. Go home to Tania.”
“Tania and I are not together.”
Rolling my eyes, I tried to close the door when he pushed against it and pleaded. “Let me explain.”
“No.”
“All I ask is two minutes of your time.”
I hesitated and looked deep into his eyes. God, Malliko was hard to say no to and when he whispered, “Please Clara” I gave in and unlocked the chain.
“I don’t think your fiancée will appreciate you being here,” I said but stepped one step back to let him in.
Malliko walked in and closed the door behind him. Even with my disappointment about his lies, my body still reacted to his presence. It was impossible not to feel physically attracted to his looks, but I had values and wouldn’t fall for his lies again.
Standing in my small living room, Malliko watched me with a serious expression on his face. “Clara, I have an important question to ask you.”
Retreating to the small sofa, I sat down to create some distance between us. “Then ask.”
“I know you spoke to Tania.”
“Yes.”
“Is that why you blocked my messages?”
There was a hinge of resentment in my tone. “She told me that you’ve been lying to me. You’re not in an open relationship with her and she’s not in Lichtenstein. It’s pretty cold of you to do what you did with me when your fiancée lives next door.”
Malliko didn’t look the least bit guilty. “My question to you is whether or not you want to know the truth.”
“What do you mean the truth? Tania already told me everything.”
“No, she didn’t, but maybe being angry with me is better than knowing the full truth. That’s why I’m giving you a choice. A convenient lie can serve you better if you want to close a chapter. So do you want the truth, or do you prefer to think I’m a liar?”
I stared at him, unsure what he was up to. “Of course, I want the truth, but why would I trust anything you tell me? How would I know if you’re not simply lying to me again?”
“May I?” Malliko pointed to the seat next to me.
