Chapter 5 Crushing On Fred

Fred's expression hardened; his brows furrowed slightly as he cast a sharp, restrained glare at Kitana.

Kitana rose smoothly, her steps calculated and graceful as she approached him. Fred, catching movement in the corner of his eye, glanced briefly at Angela-only to realize she was already watching him. Their eyes met for a split second before he abruptly turned away, forcing his gaze onto Kitana.

Angela's lips curled into a soft smile, her eyes drifting back to the television. He's adorable when he's upset... everything about him feels so perfect, she thought, her heart fluttering.

"My sweetheart," Kitana began gently, her voice dipped in sugar and guilt. "You know I love staying fit... what harm have I done by going to the gym?"

Fred's eyes locked onto hers, slow and deliberate. "You're too beautiful to parade yourself in front of strangers," he said, voice low and measured. "Wearing tight clothes, exposing yourself like that-it tears me up inside. You belong to me, Kitana."

She tilted her head, smiling faintly but firmly. "I understand, love. But health matters. The gym helps me stay strong, lean, confident."

Fred leaned back, folding his arms. "And exercise only exists at the gym?" he asked coolly. "What about jogging in the compound, cycling... or any number of things you can do at home?"

Kitana smirked, folding her arms in return. "Hmm. Enlighten me, then-what exercises can I do here that match the gym?"

Fred, halfway through chewing the last bite of his meal, swallowed and shrugged. "Jog around the house. Ride a bicycle. Walk. There's more, but I can't think of all now." He picked up his drink, taking a long sip.

Kitana's expression shifted. "You don't trust me anymore, do you?" she murmured, pain flickering in her voice. "You want me shut indoors... away from everyone?" She gathered the dishes with trembling hands and turned to leave.

Fred set the glass down slowly. Without a word, he stood and followed her into the kitchen.

She stood by the counter, arms crossed, staring into space-her silence louder than words.

Fred approached quietly, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. He kissed her neck gently, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," he said. "I only want to protect what's mine. Your body... your heart. I dream of marrying you untouched, unspoiled. The gym? Men there are predators, Kitana. They'd want you the moment they see you."

Kitana turned abruptly, her eyes narrowing. "Are you saying I'd give in? That I'd fall for one of them?"

Fred sighed. "I'm saying temptation is real. Avoiding it makes loyalty easier."

She softened slightly and nodded. "Alright. But let me ask you something."

"I'm listening," he said, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Do you love Angela?" Her eyes bore into his.

Fred hesitated, a smile flickering. He looked away for a moment before returning his gaze to hers.

"Would you let me love another woman?" he asked.

"Of course not!" she replied fiercely. "You're mine alone. No one else gets you."

"Exactly," Fred murmured, pulling her close. "Then know this: you're the only woman I love."

Kitana held him tightly, resting her head on his chest. His heart pounded faster.

"Then explain why you kept staring at her like that."

Fred looked down, a chuckle escaping his lips. "She looks like a client of mine. I was just trying to place her face. Is she married?"

"No," Kitana replied. "She's looking for someone like you. She even said I'm lucky to have you."

Fred's eyes sparkled. Unmarried... interesting.

"Thanks for loving me," Kitana whispered. "I'm grateful."

"I love you too," Fred said with a sly grin.

"We should join her," Kitana added. "She's all alone in the living room."

They returned together.

....

Angela sat on the couch, her thoughts racing. Would it be wrong to take Fred from Kitana? She's unfaithful. Fred deserves someone honest. Someone like me. But... does he even love me?

She straightened, composed herself as footsteps echoed down the stairs. Turning, she forced a smile.

"So sorry to keep you waiting," Kitana said sweetly, taking Fred's hand as they sat across from her.

Angela's gaze locked with Fred's again. She couldn't stop herself.

"Oh, it's alright," she replied with practiced grace.

"You look like someone I know," Fred said, eyes narrowing in curiosity.

Kitana placed her arm around his shoulder possessively, her other hand resting on his chest.

"I'm not the one, sir," Angela said, her cheeks flushing. Her heart was doing somersaults.

"What do you do, Angela?" Fred asked.

"She braids hair and sells hair products," Kitana interrupted. "Her shop's near Water Street."

"That's right," Angela added quickly, trying not to seem flustered.

"Impressive," Fred said, throwing a glance at Kitana, who looked away, clearly aware of the unspoken comparison.

"I'll visit your shop tomorrow," Kitana declared suddenly. "Need to get my hair done."

Angela smiled. "Looking forward to it."

"I should go now," she said, standing. "Thanks for everything."

Fred couldn't help but notice how her dress hugged her figure, the way she moved with confidence and grace.

"I'll walk you out," Kitana said abruptly, kissing Fred before heading for the door.

Fred sat still, struggling not to look as they walked away. "Angela's got it all-beauty, brains, humility... why didn't I meet her first? But now... it's too late."