Chapter 16

I am the first one to arrive at Oceania, wearing a coffee-cream, cami ruched maxi dress, which is as tight as a second layer of skin like a skims dress with a long end. Shortly, an Uber drops off Alexia and her brothers. Alexia steals the show in a sexy black, halter bodycon dress with an elaborate web of thin straps criss-crossed over her bare back. She flicks back her a sheet of ebony hair as she organizes her brothers with a flair of black-tipped fingers who wear classy long-sleeved dress shirts and trousers.

"You look." I pause to grab for words. "Gorgeous."

She gives me a quick once-over. "I'm not a mirror, Amara."

I rush over to her, colliding with an ever-tautening embrace. I release her before I go greet her brothers. I extend a fist to Pa, he hits it with his own and we do an open-fingers explosion at the same time. Nahsir tries to act cool in front of his older brother, but eventually he caves and concedes a side-hug and I peck his temple. Kiaan still stares back at me indifferently with his hands shoved his trouser' pockets. His gaze steals a full-body glance and nods thoughtfully.

"Am I also going to get a kiss?"

I gape at him, grinning.

"Watch yourself," Alex warns, her siren eyes and smoky eye only intensifying her glare. "I can still take you out, even in this suffocating dress."

My hands go up and around to pull him into a friendly hug. And over his shoulder. A rumbling engine yanks my attention as a silver matte car lures all of our eyes. The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupé. Alister parks right in front in a reserved, demarcated parking spot. He climbs out wearing a pair of color-tinted Saint Lauren sunglasses, sporting a classic navy blue double-breasted suit.

He goes for an unimpressed Alex and lifts her off the ground with a fast spin, stealing a sharp-pitched squeal from her, tousling her hair as he twirls around excitedly. When he places her back on the ground, he draws her in for a passionate kiss, so fervent and intimate it makes me look away. Pa claps a hand over his own eyes, Nahsir is already staring at his shoes and Kiaan cannot conceal his revulsion with his jaw ticking. Alexia has to be the one to pull away from a clingy Alister and even when she moves to regroup, Alister's arm is locked around her with his hand grafted to the lower side of her hip.

"It's lovely to see you boys again," Alister says with his shades still on.

Kiaan snorts scornfully, then shoulders past him as he makes his way to the front entrance. Pa takes Alex's hand, who stares after him exasperatedly. Nahsir speeds up to sidle Kiaan's flank. And I do the same to I walk on the other side of him, whispering my concern.

"Are you really going to make things that difficult?"

"Please don't tell me you're buying what he's selling?" he says with a tint of disappointment. "Alister is a parasite."

"He has done nothing but try to make your sister happy, and that alone you should be grateful for," I say with surprising conviction. "I know a lot of fakes, and arrogant people but he is not one of them. He has gone out of his way to—"

"Make us like him?" he slots in with a critical stare. "I can't be bought with fancy cars and fancy restaurants."

"You think your sister can?"

That makes him falter, his eyes flickering faintly faster.

"She has the best instincts, good intuition, and that has led her to open herself to Alister. You should be grateful she found herself someone who cares about her family as much as he does about her. I am not saying go attend soccer matches together, but give him a chance. Not for him, but for her." I give him a quick, vigorous shake of his shoulder. "And if he does happen to be a two-timing jerk, you can beat him up."

"Deal," he says too fast.

"He's not one though."

The other three catch up and Alister leads us inside. The hostess instantly perks up when she spots Alister. He doesn't even have to confirm his booking, she simply escorts us to our table. The interior design is elegant, maintaining a balance between opulence and a sense of calmness. Along with refined maritime-themed artwork and driftwood accents. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure lake views are visible from every angle from inside the restaurant. The area of formal fine dining features exclusive seating options, an intimate atmosphere, and upscale decor, using high-quality furnishings and fabrics to exude luxury and comfort.

However, Alister reserved a table for us on the terrace where we can dine al fresco. Comfortable seating arrangements with plush cushions with an unmatched view of the lake right below and around us. Early night stars glistens on the tranquil lake, casting a mesmerizing sparkle on the grand facade of the lakefront restaurant.

The hostess gestures to the beautifully appointed table with crisp linens and fine crystal glasses.

"A server will be with you shortly."

"A drink menu for now," Alister requests with a charming smile. "We are still waiting on one other guest."

"Of course, Mr King."

We all take our seats and Alex fixes him a questioning look.

Alister presides over the one head of the table, and the other beside me is left empty.

"A player from my team," he says dismissively, like it's not important. "I am just making sure he feels welcome and as captain, I felt the need to make sure he knows he has friends both on the field and out."

He lays out an open hand to her. She places her freshly manicured hand in his. He brings her hand to his lips and plants a long, lingering kiss on her knuckles whilst still gazing back up at her, never breaking eye contact.

"No words could define such beauty, my love."

"We're still here," Nahsir exclaims aloud with the same scornful attitude of his brother.

Alex withdraws her hand and casts a teasing glare at him beside her before she pushes his head away playfully.

Alister looks up and smiles brightly. "You made it."

I don't even have to look. My scalp prickles and every hair on my body stands from the harrowing, hair-raising sensation I have come to dread. Vanko eases himself down on the seat beside me as if settling on a throne as both hands grasp the arms of the chair. Alex instantly looks at me with an alarmed look, as if sharing my disquiet. I sneak a glance, only catching a glimpse of those predatory eyes set on me.

Not wanting to cause a scene, Alex asks, "Babe, this is your new player?"

Alister's eyes rebound between her and I with genuine confusion. "Yes? Coach normally doesn't do special tryouts, but because of Vanko's merits back at Kazan, he gave him a shot. And he's really good," he includes Vanko in the conversation with an appreciative look, "so I am glad you're playing on our side."

Vanko's eyes slice back to me, a cutting glance piercing deep. "This is where I belong," he declares ambiguously.

A server approaches the table, offering a menu filled with gourmet delicacies and an extensive selection of fine wines. Alex signals to Nahsir with just her eyes and through their telepathic sibling bond; Nahsir turns and plucks out the leather-bound menu from Kiaan and hands it back to Alex. Kiaan glares at Alex, but she flicks her finger at the non-alcoholic beverages shared between their younger brothers. They go for sodas, I take a mocktail and Vanko, Alister and Alex order the alcoholic drink of their choosing.

"So Vanko," Alex spits out his name like the end of something bitter. "Why'd you come back?"

"It's more like who I came back for," he says, his lips quirking to the side in a coy grin, tossing me a meaningful look.

Vanko's knee brushes against mine beneath the table—I jerk my leg away.