Mr. Bonham led Jason to a group of waiting friends. Kale’s eyes immediately found the one woman he didn’t recognize. Dark red hair, sort of an auburn color, crowned her petite frame and rich blue eyes contained a spark that bespoke a fiery personality.
“Jason Wadsworth, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Renee Arlington.” The girl Kale had pegged extended her hand. When Jason went to place a kiss on it, she instead latched onto his hand in a firm grip and shook it. Nothing delicate there.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wadsworth. I’ve heard a bit about you.”
Oh gods. It had been too much to ask that she not indulge in gossip. “Really?” Jason was fidgeting now. This was not going well.
“Yes. I hear you’re quite studious. It’s nice to see that some people take their chance for a university education seriously.” There was hope after all.
“I take it very seriously, Miss Arlington. Mr. Bonham has told me that you are quite the intellectual yourself.”
“I believe we all have the responsibility to educate ourselves as much as possible. I try to make use of the university library whenever I can.”
Jason snapped his fingers. “Yes, I remember you now. I saw you in the library the day of my orientation.”
“It must have been one of my last days here before I went to Calea. I left around the start of term.”
“And how did you enjoy Calea?”
It was at this point that Kale stopped listening. The capital of the neighboring country, Naiara, might as well have been a world away with their emerging notions of equality for women and anti-slavery laws. Charlie had wandered off with Carl after making the introduction, and Kale was looking around the room for him when a quick motion caught his eye. Charlie was discreetly waving his hand. Once he had Kale’s attention, he pointed toward Renee and tilted his head, looking at Kale as if to say, “Well?”
Kale lifted his eyes to the heavens in a look of thanks and Charlie smiled. When Kale turned back to Jason and saw the smile on his face and the way he looked at Renee, giving her his undivided attention with interest bubbling in his eyes, Kale could have very well kissed Charlie for suggesting they meet.
A clinking sound echoed through the room, and everyone quieted down. Looking around for the source of the sound, Kale found an older gentleman holding a knife and glass. “Excuse me, ladies and gentleman, the reading is about to begin. If you’d please take your seats.”
Without even looking at Kale, Jason walked with Renee to the seating area, talking the entire way. Standing suddenly alone, Kale started to feel a little empty. It was as if Jason had completely forgotten him. Not that Kale expected his master to check in with him, but he always had. Shaking off the feeling, he walked to the back wall to join Charlie. This was the part of the night that Kale always dreaded. It was bad enough enduring what rich people seemed to think was entertainment, but he couldn’t even entertain himself watching how enthused Jason got over these sorts of things.
Kale never even saw who performed. His eyes were riveted to Jason and Renee, noting every time their heads leaned in together. Every once in a while, they whispered in each other’s ears. What were they saying? Why did it bother him that he wasn’t there? A pinch on his leg distracted him, and he looked to his side where Charlie made funny faces. It was so unexpected that Kale had to choke back a laugh, which made Charlie smile.
When the reading was done, the audience broke out in polite applause, the most fervent, Kale noted, coming from Jason and Renee. Kale spent the rest of the evening refilling his master’s drink and fetching him finger foods. The happy couple was thoroughly enjoying themselves, and it couldn’t be going better if Kale had wished it. Still, Kale knew that Jason wouldn’t have noticed if someone else had replaced him all night, and it was an odd feeling.
After what seemed an interminably long time, Jason finally motioned for Kale to get his coat. When he brought it to Jason, his heart leapt when he heard their conversation.
“This was great, Renee.” Renee? So they were on a first name basis. “I hope I can see you again.”
“I’m here for good now, so I suppose we’ll see each other around.”
“I was hoping we might see each other sooner than that.”
Renee smiled and bit her lip. It was the one bit of girlishness Kale had seen out of her all night. “I’d like that too.”
“There’s a debate at the university tomorrow. Would you care to join me?”
A debate? Tomorrow? Kale didn’t know anything about it. If he didn’t know, how did Jason? Of course, he probably heard about it tonight. Besides, who was Kale to assume that he was involved in every bit of planning in his master’s life?
“Yes, I was hoping to attend.”
“Good, I’ll see you there.”
Chapter Thirty
When tomorrow came, Jason left Kale at the house while he went to the debate. “This isn’t the kind of event you bring slaves to,” Jason had said. Kale used to be ecstatic at being left at home—it wasn’t like he had any interest in the debate—but it had been months since Jason had gone anywhere without Kale. Most of all, it was strange because it was the only time Jason had ever left him at the house when Kale actually wanted to go.
He should be there to keep an eye on Jason and help him. The kid wasn’t the most socially adept person, and his history in the courting department left something to be desired. Renee was the only girl out of dozens in whom Jason had shown the least bit of interest. If he messed things up with her, who knew how long it would be before he found another acceptable young lady? Here at home, Kale couldn’t do anything to help, and he felt powerless, waiting to see what would happen. He didn’t like the feeling at all, though he should be used to it by now. It had never bothered him before that he had no control over his own life. In the last few months, though, the illusion of control had spoiled him.
Jason’s room was spotless. Kale looked for anything to clean or straighten, but he was at a loss. Three turns around the room left him with nothing else to do to pass the time. Kale picked up his sketchpad and sat on the sofa, hoping that his nervous energy wouldn’t prevent him from losing himself in a sketch. There were pastels on the side table, but Kale passed over them for charcoal. The subtlety of expressing feelings and perceptions through the absence of color resonated with Kale, and he needed the outlet. The result was a series of sketches made up of quick strokes all depicting his master surrounded by scenes of dark sadness. Sometimes Kale was in the picture himself, but always as a despairing figure. The sound of steps in the hallway brought his mind out of his drawing, and he closed his pad and stashed it away just as Jason came through the door.
Jason unwound his scarf and threw it on a chair with a blissful sigh before heading to the bathroom, all without looking at Kale. It was so unexpected that it took Kale a second to gather himself and go get the scarf to put it away. Jason came out of the bathroom a moment later with the goofiest smile Kale had ever seen on him.
“Did it go well, Master?” Kale ventured, needing to both snap Jason out of it and hear what had transpired.
Jason looked at Kale as if he had forgotten he even existed, and then his smile widened even more, if that were possible. “Kale, it was amazing! She’s so engaging and intelligent and the things she cares about actually matter.” Jason paced as he talked, becoming more animated by the second.
“So I take it she’s smart enough for you.”
“She’s the smartest person I’ve ever met, man or woman. And her looks! Have you seen her?”
“Yes, Master.”
“She’s certainly nice to look at.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Who would have guessed that this woman existed? I didn’t think I’d ever find someone who I’d actually like to see again, much less start a relationship with.”
This was the happiest Kale could remember Jason. It reminded him of those first few days when he was dating Eric. It was fun seeing him so excited, and he couldn�
�t help smiling when he looked at the kid. Everything was coming together, just as Kale planned. Jason had tried to make him believe that he didn’t need this, but how could a person not need the type of happiness Jason was showing? This had been the right move. In fact, it was hard to see why Jason needed him at all.
That thought lingered in his mind, and he didn’t realize Jason had stopped pacing and was looking at him until he spoke.
“What’s bothering you, Kale?”
Kale startled out of his thoughts. “Oh, nothing, Master.”
“You know, you’ve never once made me believe you when you’ve said that before. I don’t know why you think it’ll work this time.” Jason placed his hand on Kale’s arm. The warm pressure of his hand was welcome, and Kale gave him a faint smile. “I had thought you’d be happy. Renee’s just what you wanted.”
“And she’s perfect for you. I am happy. I guess it all just seemed too easy. I’m hoping it lasts.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Kale glanced at his hand and back to Jacob who was leaning back in his chair, staring at him. As usual, his dark eyes gave away nothing.
“You going to fold, Kale?”
Something inside him bristled. Jacob had figured out how to play him. Jacob had never asked Charlie and Simon that, but he knew Kale’s pride hated the idea of folding.
“Check. Whatcha got?”
“Full house, queens over eights.”
“Damn.” Kale threw down his cards. After all this time, he knew every one of Charlie’s and Simon’s tells, but he still didn’t have a read on Jacob.
Between laughs, Simon said, “Give it up, Kale. You’re never going to be a better card player than Jacob. None of us are.”
“Someone’s got to humble him, it might as well be me.” Kale took a swig of his beer as Jacob cleared away the pot.
“Yeah, well, your master keeps gallivanting around with that skirt of his and you’ll have plenty of opportunity.”
“How is Miss Arlington?” Charlie’s question sounded casual enough, but Kale could see his concern. The last time Kale had this much time to play cards was back when Jason was dating Eric, and that had been a disaster.
“Oh she’s perfect. Perfect breeding, perfect manners, perfect looks, perfect social standing. Perfect.”
“She sounds like a bitch,” Simon said.
Kale laughed. “Nah, she actually is nice. Smiles at me and says please and thank you, even when we’re out. As far as free women go, he could do a lot worse.”
“A woman gets a man in her thrall and she could convince him to get rid of a slave if she has a mind to. You’re not worried?”
“Of course he’s not.” Charlie looked incredulous. “You’ve seen the way Mr. Wadsworth looks at him. No way he’d ever get rid of Kale.”
“And I’m telling you that a woman can change things.”
“I’m not worried, Simon,” Kale said. “Really, she’s a great girl. In fact, she seems to like me. She’s always appreciative. If anything, she likes that I take care of him.”
“Yeah, well, she may want to be taking care of him herself.”
After the game, Kale left to wait for Jason like he always did. On the way up the stairs, he thought about Renee. He believed everything he had said about her tonight. So why, when Jason slept, did a lump of dread deep in his stomach keep Kale awake?
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jason made sure his schedule was clear for the evening. Renee had wanted to go to the planetarium, but she could wait; this was more important. Kale seemed unhappy, and he wondered how long it had been going on. Admittedly, he spent a lot of time with Renee, sometimes away from Kale. At the time, it didn’t seem like a bad idea. Kale had always appreciated being left at home rather than going to events he found boring. But perhaps he felt neglected. How selfish could one man be? Here he was, basking in the glory of a life that seemed to be blessed all because of Kale, and he hadn’t paused to make sure Kale was getting what he needed. That would all change tonight.
When he walked into his room after class, Kale was sprawled out on the bed with his sketchpad. It was a sight that made Jason sigh with contentment. At times like these, he could picture them as two lovers without a care in the world. Kale certainly looked the part, here in the early afternoon lying on the bed, face intent on his latest sketch, clothes comfortably askew. And when he looked up at Jason, a smile instantly on his lips—not a wide grin, but a comfortable lift of the lips, as if that was the natural pose his face took when he saw Jason—Jason thought life must be perfect.
“Hello, Master.” And the illusion burst. “I didn’t expect you home so early.”
Jason strode in and closed the door behind him, shedding his coat on his way to the bed. Kale was already gathering up his sketchpad and sitting up, making room for Jason to join him. Unfastening his cuffs, Jason sat on the bed and leaned over to give Kale a kiss on the lips. It was solid and reassuring in a way that Renee’s kisses could never be. Like it just made sense that they should kiss, like Jason belonged with Kale. It was a feeling that Jason didn’t think he could live without. And from the slight hesitancy he felt in Kale’s lips before he surrendered himself to the kiss, Jason knew Kale was unaware of just how important this was to him.
“All this time with Renee has left me pining away for you. Tonight I want you,” Jason said.
“Hmph.” Kale pulled away and flopped back on the pillows. “More like you’re wanting a lay. I know little Miss Arlington isn’t letting you have your way with her. She’s much too noble for that. You just want some tail. Fine. It’s yours, take it.”
Kale stared at the ceiling, and it looked to Jason like he was fighting not to look at him. Jason sidled up along Kale’s side and put his arm across his chest. “Don’t be like that, Kale. You know you’re the first in my heart. Or at least you should. We don’t even have to have sex tonight if it’s not what you want. I just want to be here, with you.”
“Sure you do. What with all I have to offer.”
Self-pity was not attractive on Kale and hearing him speak about himself like that burned something inside Jason. He lifted himself up so he loomed over Kale, not giving him a way to escape his gaze. “Stop that right now, Kale. You know I don’t like you talking like that. I’m in love with you. I only ever started seeing Renee to make you happy, to secure our future.”
Kale sighed and rolled over, forcing Jason to settle back on the bed as they faced each other. “I know. I’m sorry I’m being an ass. I should have known that you would attack this whole courting thing with the same enthusiasm you do everything. I’m not being fair, and I know it. I guess all this free time on my hands has made me indulge in self-pity.” Then he reached out and grasped Jason’s hand. “Thanks for taking tonight with me.”
The warmth of Kale’s hand atop his own spread through Jason as it always did when they touched. “Of course, and if you ever need me, you know you only have to ask. I’m in love with you, Kale, you know that.”
“Yeah, but you love her too.”
Jason trod carefully. There was no point in lying, Kale knew him better than anyone, but a little tact would go a long way. “Yes, I do love her. Do you not want me to?”
Kale looked at him intently, and Jason knew he could see that it was a genuine question. “No. Of course you love her. That’s part of what makes you you. You could never marry someone you didn’t love. You’re too much of a romantic.”
Jason felt himself blush, which made Kale smile, so it was worth it. When Kale’s hand reached up and cupped his cheek, it only made him hotter. “Thanks, Kale. I knew you would understand. And I’m sorry for neglecting you. You’re the most important person in the world to me, and I won’t let you forget again.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. It’s just a transition, that’s all. I’ll be better once things are settled, once the future’s more certain. Everything is going so well right now, I just worry that something’s going to go wrong, that the wind’s going
to blow a little differently one day, and this will all come tumbling down.”
“And so what if it does? I’ll still have you. I’m not letting you go anywhere. I know you set this all up to make me happy, and I am. But if Renee left me tomorrow, it would hurt—I’m not going to lie—but I’d still be happy. I really don’t need all this, but you’ve given me the courage to go for it, so I’m going to try. But even if it doesn’t work out, I would still be happy with you.” Then, to illustrate his point, he began kissing Kale and didn’t come up for air until they were nothing more than a sated sweaty tangle of limbs on the bed.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Jason walked through the park with Renee, both so bundled up they didn’t feel the chill that caused their breath to mist in the night air. An eclipse was going to occur, and people gathered in the one place in the city where it was possible to pretend that they were in nature. It reminded Jason of the time he had gone stargazing with Kale outside the city. Kale had stayed home tonight. He was concerned that Renee might be losing interest. Ever since Jason had noticed that he was neglecting Kale, he had been spending more time with him, and he needed to learn how to balance the two. Glancing over at Renee walking next to him with her neck craned upward looking at the sky, he knew that she was a woman he could marry.
“When I was a little girl, I once took a diamond necklace of my mother’s and separated all the diamonds from it,” Renee said as they walked. “I pasted them to some craft paper and hung it over my bed so I could look at it and pretend I was looking up at the stars.”
Jason laughed and Renee looked at him with a childlike grin on her face. “You were a terror, weren’t you, darling?”
“Not a terror, just stubborn. Whenever I wanted something, I didn’t stop until I had it.”
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