Inheritance

Chapter 11

"Used to play in the NFL? Oh no, what happened? Was he let go?" She asked in mock concern, feigning ignorance to the latter portion of my statement.

"Um, no. It was actually due to personal reasons, which aren't my place to say." I countered. Although it hadn't been too clear whether Caleb's heart condition was public knowledge, I was almost certain it wasn't something he openly discussed.

My attention shifted from Patricia to Kendall, who remained silent while his face held an emotion hard to read. As we waited for the elevator to reach the ground floor, he removed his hand from Patricia's only to begin rubbing her lower back.

Once the elevator doors opened, all five of us entered the small space, starting with Frank and Nicki who continued their small talk, then Patricia and Kendall, and finally me. As we ascended to my uncle's floor-wide condo, Patricia pulled Kendall in for a hug. From the way they were positioned, Patricia had a view of the wall while Kendall conveniently stared directly at me.

His obsidian eyes captured my hazel ones, as we engaged in a contested staring match. His domineering gaze ventured from the top of my head and descended down to my toes, before making its way eagerly back up my frame and lingering on my chest. 

He unapologetically scrutinized me without a care in the world, while Patricia remained oblivious to his mischievous actions. We shared a silent conversation, which seemed to imply many unsaid thoughts as he continued to wrap his long arms around Patricia. When she finally pulled away from him, I quickly tore my gaze from their joined forms. 

Even now, it was difficult to understand why Kendall willingly showed interest in her. Yet, he kept our interactions hidden like I was some sort of forbidden mistress.

When we reached the twelfth floor, Kendall held the elevator door open, allowing each of us to exit. Attempting to slither past his large frame, I slightly grazed my backside against his groin. The panic that erupted from my body was enough to place me in a coma. However, his only response was a low grunt. 

Still recovering from my embarrassment, I refused to turn around and observe his full reaction. He didn't seem to like that, as he roughly gripped my wrist and pulled me back so that I was pressed flush against him.

"Are you avoiding me, Sasha? I don't like to be ignored." He threatened, while I remained silent. When no words left my mouth, his plump lips morphed into a frown before he eventually released me from his hold. We were playing a very dangerous game, but it was one that I wouldn't let him win.

Inside the condo, I was met by the gleeful sight of a handful of guests chatting by the lavish fireplace and living room area. Making my way through the spacious enclosure, I exchanged brief pleasantries with family friends, just as my uncle appeared at the bottom of the stairs. 

When he stumbled on the last step, one of his house maids immediately rushed to his side with a cane. Taking it from her, he readjusted his walk to accommodate the added accessory.

"Hello everyone, thanks for coming. Let's make our way to the dining area, shall we?" He gestured, welcoming the small group of guests into his home. I moved towards him, planting a brisk kiss on his right cheek.

"Hey uncle, I hope you're not working yourself too hard. Since when did you need a cane?" I asked, after parting from our hug.

"Oh my dear, Sasha. You've always been so observant. I suppose you get that from your mother. Don't worry about me, I'm fine. Let's go have dinner, and we can talk after. You're staying the night, aren't you?"

I didn't plan on spending a full night here, but if that's what my uncle wanted, then I would happily oblige. I kept spare clothes at his condo anyways, in the case of emergencies.