Page 34 of Titan

It took several minutes before I got a response.

Remi: Yes… she’s due to dance, but you can see her after.

Gil: Okay. Is Zayn going to be there?

Remi: No, he’s taking Ari out to dinner tonight.

Gil: Let her know I want to see her.

Remi: No problem. She goes on at nine.

She didn’t elaborate about when Theia would be finished, but I imagined it wouldn’t be longer than an hour.

Was I going to arrive at nine to watch her? I had no fucking idea. Maybe it would help me understand Theia more. She said she liked to be watched. The last time I’d been in the club on one of Zayn’s special nights, I hadn’t paid attention to the dancers. Well, I’d noticed the guy harassing her, but I wasn’t focused on what she was doing. Maybe if I paid attention this time, it would help me see why she enjoyed it. I wanted to understand her desires, as they were a big part of her world.

I tried not to question why I was so interested in her, even though my intrigue was concerning. I’d told myself I was going to do something for me. Discovering who Theia was inside would be for me. Worrying about this when I had much larger concerns at hand was ridiculous. If seeing Theia helped me, I should just fucking do it. She was the one thing in my life that felt good. And considering I hadn’t been able to sleep properly since I last saw her, maybe she’d quieten my chaotic mind enough to help me drift off. I wouldn’t know unless I went to the club.

Go watch her… learn about her… let your curiosity guide you, Gil. You know you want to.

I did. I really fucking did… so I would.

Twelve

Gilberto

The moment I entered the main club floor, Remi was on me with a knowing look in her green eyes. I frowned, wondering what she wanted. Not like I’d told her I was coming early to watch Theia before our session.

“You here to collect your favour from me?” I asked before she could say a word.

She gave me a grin.

“Of course not.”

“Then what do you want?”

“You’re here to watch her.”

She wiggled her eyebrows, making me want to throttle her for the look in her eyes. I was not here for anything other than curiosity, despite what she might think. Theia was perfectly aware that I sought friendship from her. Remi’s opinion of this situation wasn’t relevant. It was between me and Theia.

“What’s it to you?”

“Nothing. Just be careful with her, Gil.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

She looked over at the poles where two girls I didn’t know were dancing.

“She has a soft heart, so don’t hurt her.”

I didn’t get a chance to respond. She took me by the arm and dragged me towards the seating area near the poles.

“Sit here. You’ll have the best view.”

Remi flounced away, leaving me staring after her. What did she mean? I had no intention of hurting Theia. How could I? I was paying for her time. She was getting something in return for me talking to her. She probably didn’t even think about me outside of work, anyway. She had no reason to. I was merely a client to her.

I don’t know why the thought disconcerted me as I sat down on the bench Remi had indicated behind a table. I shouldn’t feel like it was more than that between us.

Checking my watch, I noted it was just before nine. I was always early for everything. Being late rubbed me up the wrong way.

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