Page 18

Story: Kohl King

His sigh held a fat grin. “Big Brother’s got you covered there,” he said airily. “And to be sure, the Kings donotdrive. They’re chauffeured. I’ll text you the name of your personal driver. He has everything you need—money, wheels, and all the time you want. Let him be your Alfred. Like in Batman?”

“I know what it means,” Kaos said.

“So where are you taking her?”

He froze at yet another human folly. “I have no idea.”

“Your driver will. But you’ll need to know so you can dress accordingly.”

Right. Humans varied their fashions for different occasions. He entered the apartment again.

“Just go casual. Something that fits in with whatever she wears,” Kildare advised, his joy like a rash on his nerves. “Unless she dresses formal, then match her.”

Kaos glanced toward the adjoining door, briefly considering asking her directly. “Noted. Anything else?”

Kildare’s chuckle filled the silence. “You’re asking me for dating tips now?”

Kaos tightened his grip on the phone. “I’m asking for operational guidelines.”

“Operational,” Kildare echoed with a grin. “Operational guideline number one—relax. Operational guideline number two—enjoy yourself. Operational guideline number three—remember that humans talk about themselves when nervous. So, ask questions. Let her do most of the talking. That’s a direct order from your commanding officer.”

His jaw worked against the urge to hang up. “Anything else? Commander?”

“Just don’t break anything you can’t fix. Especially her.”

Kaos’s eyes narrowed. “Nothingornobodywill break her. Especially me.”

“Just remember what you’re capable of. And that tonight, you’re just Kohl. No more, no less.”

He forced himself to thank him then ended the call, his mind already shifting into next-step. He turned at the soft knock on the adjoining door and made his way to it, slapping away his spiritual discerning powers and locking onto his human instincts. His pulse raced as he opened it, then tripled at finding Jaxi, smoothing the fabric of a soft, flowing floral dress to her knees, face lit with tentative wonder on him.

Kaos followed the sensual caress of fabric along her beauty. Delicate and fragile. A single flower standing in a field before a storm, looking right at him with hope and hunger.

Beautiful.

“Better,” he said, forcing said storm inside him to step aside for the little flower.

Her sunny smile broke through. “Thank you! I wasn’t sure if it would be too simple.”

“Simple suits you,” he muttered, turning before she could see the chaos she created in him with just her eyes.

She entered and sat on one of the living room chairs like she belonged there.

“I’ll only be a minute,” he said, heading to his room, digging through the clothes provided. On his second pass, he paused, frowning. Nothing seemed right. He regarded what he wore, deciding it was neutral enough not to clash with... pink and purple blossoms.

He retrieved his phone and saw a new message from an unsaved number:Good evening. I’m Fredrick, your chauffeur. Heading your way now. I’ll text you when I arrive.

Kaos saved the contact under “Fred” and made his way into the living room where Jaxi sat at the edge of the seat inspecting the décor. Her forearms rested on her bouncing legs, hands clasped, fingers wiggling.

He barely remembered to use only his human instincts to read her. Nervous. The itch to check his answers with his power was disrupted by his phone buzzing in his pocket. He paused, pulling it out:Your car is ready, Mr. King. I’m parked near the back entrance.

He pocketed the cell and found Jaxi looking up at him from where she sat.

“Our ride is here,” he said, diving into her blue eyes as she stood.

“Ride?”

He slid his hands in his pockets, gaze lowering to her mouth. “The Kings don’t drive,” he said, watching her perfect plump lips spread in a smile.