Page 132 of Stars At Dusk

‘What’s this, babe?’ he asked with a small smile.

‘My way of showing how much I appreciate you, Kage Sable, warts and all.’

He grinned as he unboxed her gift, nodding with approval as he lifted a stunning crystal whisky decanter and two sculpted glasses.

‘Breathtaking, kara,’ he said softly. ‘A whisky lover’s dream set.’

‘The set is pure diamond. From a rock harvested on 79 Festi e, one of Pegasi’s gem planets.’

‘Damn! Where it rains diamonds?’

‘The very same. Where only the most intrepid miners dare to work in temperatures reaching 9200 degrees Fahrenheit.’

Kage leaned over and kissed his woman. ‘Santebabe, very thoughtful.’

‘I also got the set engraved with your call name, Shadow.’

‘I see that. Amazing.’ Kage cradled the decanter set, turning it over so the multiple angles of the facets caught the light and scattered it throughout the room. ‘They’re perfect, love. You’ve taken my whisky game to a whole new level.’

‘Glad to do anything to up your sophistication Sable,’ Harlow laughed.

‘Shall we christen the glasses?’

‘Indeed.’

And so they did.

Eventually, they headed to bed, where Kage rocked Harlow into a sweet, deep sleep, wrapped in his solid and steady arms.

14

An age-old lovers’ paradox

Harlow

Saturdays with Kage had fast become Harlow’s favourite day of the week.

It was when she felt she had him all to herself. A leisurely and relaxed time when they both took a break from their busy schedules and lost themselves in each other.

It usually began with a slow, languorous morning of making love, after which they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of kahawa, fresh fruit, and the pillowy soft pastries Kage was an ace at baking.

Then they’d wander through Eden II’s vast food markets and stalls in Old Town, plan an elaborate meal, buy the ingredients, and return to his apartment. Kage would cook, and she could do regular chores. They’d eat whatever masterful creation he dreamt up before falling into bed again.

Which was why this morning, she was bummed when he announced they’d be deviating from their daily routine. All because he was leaving early to prep for The War of the Titans, the charity brawl he’d told her about some time back.

It was the night after their long talk, and they hadn’t made love since, so disappointment instantly flooded her face.

Kage saw it and caught her face in his hands.

‘Kara, it’s a special one-night-only showcase event. The other Riders would be there too. We all need to blow off some steam. It’s been a mad week for us all. Then tomorrow, I’m all yours. I’ll take Monday off too, love, and if you can, let’s spend it together.’

She couldn’t argue, so she gave him a gentle, lingering kiss.

‘Can I come?’ she asked softly.

‘You’ll be OK seeing your man get beat up. Could be bad.’

‘I want to.’

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