Chapitre 21: It's Unrequited, Cliff!

Sasha smiled to herself, pleased that she could have this effect on Cliff.

"May I come in?" She said, Cliff frowned at her as he let the door open wide.

"Why are you dressed like this, Sash. You seeing someone?" His voice sounded gruff. Sasha walked to the small living room, her hips swaying dangerously, Cliff had a hard time focusing on what she was saying, struggling not to reach out to grab her body.

"Well, it could be that, or not." She teased. "Is Anna around?" She stood in the middle of the room, swirling to meet his gaze.

"Uh, no. She's not...and I, was busy in the kitchen." He suddenly remembered, and rushed to the kitchen to continue his pancake mix.

"Hmm, maybe it's a blessing she's not around. Now, I get to ask questions." She said, following behind him closely. Cliff had a bad feeling that dangerous waters were brewing and became cautious, slipping into Sasha's slicky trap was the last thing he wanted in his day.

When she saw he said nothing, she smiled, a hint of mischief appearing in her eyes. She dipped a finger into the pancake mix and licked it, her eyes locked on him. Cliff narrowed his eyes at her, as desire stirred within him. She began.

"You had a fine relationship with Tanya; the studio's going pretty well. I guess Anna doesn't know you own it." She looked straight into his eyes and his, darted away.

"Why are you living in this shithole, doing dishes for a cousin you hardly know anything about? What's going on Cliff? Do you love Anna that much?" Her voice was laced with hurt and accusation.

He clicked his tongue at the jealously in her voice. Steadying his hand, he scooped a spoonful of the pancake mix onto a pan. Love. Anna? Seriously? Is that what she thinks of me? He shook his head, finding a more suitable lie to hide his intention behind his words.

"I'm just looking out for the only family I have left." He said,

"Your family?" She scoffed. "Since when did you become the family man?" Her words cut deep, and Cliff sensed the hurt behind them. He had known Sasha for over ten years, they grew up together, in different places. He didn't want to betray their bond.

"Just see this as practice Sash. A man needs to be ready for life." He glanced at her in a half smile, hoping she would get the joke. She wasn't amused. He was dodging the question and winning effortlessly. She stepped close to turn off the gas, Cliff felt her body heat and jumped back from her. She laughed flirtatiously.

"Oh, you're going to reveal more than that, alright."

"Sasha, why are you dressed like this? What's gotten into you?" Frustration was clear in his voice that her dress made him uncomfortable. He moved away from her.

Her ways to getting answers would be the death of him. Did she dress like this and came all the way to interrogate him about his cousin, or did she have ulterior motives?

"I asked first, Cliff." She pointed at him, "no games! I'm warning you." Her eyes blazed with determination and she clenched her hands into fists. Cliff saw anger boiling. He lowered his head as he spread his hands on the counter, standing cautiously like a brooding hen about to make public announcement.

Sigh. "First, you have to promise secrecy. Alright? Anna can't know about it."

She used her hand to pull an imaginary zipper across her lips, padlocked it and threw the key away. Another sigh, regretting his next words.

"I met Anna's Mom in a hospital in San Francisco early this year, when we were fixing Abigail's wedding reception." Sasha whispered an 'oh, my God.' He shook his head, wondering if it was too much information already. A sardonic smile curled his lips.

"I don't know how she ended up there but, she looked pale, and we talked. Begged me to look out for her daughter; she was worried for her health and didn't know if she would live to see her again." He could still feel Helen's grip on him and her desperate gaze. The hairs on his skin rose.

"What's wrong with her health, and why can't she come see her daughter?" Sasha said, fighting the mockery in her voice. She saw the lost look on his face and moved closed to pat his arm. He didn't flinch from her touch, a rather unsettling storm rose inside him and his eyes were darkened.

"I'm surprised–grateful Anna didn't turn up like her. Helen's diagnosed with cancer Sash, and Anna..." He trailed off, his eyes looked sorry.

"What's wrong with Anna?" Sasha whispered, her hand over her mouth, fear rising in her.

"Anna's dying too. I-I can't lose either of them Sash. I-it would be too much for me." He said, feeling the tail of the burden loosening a bit.

"Oh, no," her expression softened and she hugged him from the side, a sob broke out from her lips.

He straightened, wrapping his arms around her and they stayed like that for a while.

Sasha loosened from the hug and stepped away. Cliff's heart clenched from the loss of bodily contact. Standing square; he shouldn't be haboring any feelings for her. She was like his little sister. 'Get a grip Cliff.' He scolded himself.

She was still crying, when he reached out to wipe a tear from her face. "You fine now, feisty cat?" He grinned at her glare, and she slapped his hand off.

He was doing it again, seeing her like a sister. Her heart broke within her. Even with the sultry dress, she couldn't get through to him.

"What?" Cliff whined playfully, rubbing the spot she slapped and looked at her. She also stared at him, bearing her heart in her eyes. They held gazes, and Cliff looked confused, but before he said anything. She blurted from nowhere.

"I'm not your sister. I'm not Anna!" She barked, and they stared at each other. Surprised at her revelation. A flush of deep pink rose to her cheeks, mortified, she looked away. Her eyes scanned the place for purse and she turned around to leave when Cliff caught her by the arm.

She was about to protest when he held her by the waist and drew her to himself, then crashed his lips on hers. She spread her palm over his chest. Was it her heart pounding so hard or his? She moaned softly in his mouth, that was his undoing.

"If only you know... How long... I've waited... For this." He said between kisses, Sasha held onto him for dear life as her legs turned jelly beneath her. His big hands roamed her body and she quickly pulled away, fighting for a breath.

There was a glow of triumph in his eyes. "You're a temptation Sash. You know that?" His voice sounded rough. He rested his forehead on her and stared at the dip in her chest.

Sasha fought to control the moment, or they would both regret their actions for a lifetime.

"I'm going out with Jamie." She blurted innocently. Cliff's head shot up in disbelief.

"What!?"

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