I Unintentionally Became Her Kitten

Chapter 92: Sophia and Coffee

Sophia was waiting at a four person table when we entered the cafe. She looked up and saw me, smiled, and then frowned concernedly as she took in my appearance a little more.

I approached, giving her my best most reassuring smile though it didn't seem to relax her at all.

Alisha’s hand brushed against my back reassuringly. It was subtle but present, like all of her public displays of affection to me.

With her was Tye and another guard was outside in the car, watching intently to be sure no one tried anything. Alisha had also protested anyone other than Tye or Matteo watching Sophia and I. Given the current political unrest, I had to agree with her. Who could be trusted was less clear than ever. Tye took his position at a high top with a good view of the entire room and Alisha encouraged me to sit, asking quietly what I wanted to drink.

Sophia was still staring at me as I turned to tell her, “a mocha, please.”

Alisha nodded and approached the front of the store. Tyes gaze bore into her, and her surroundings as she did so. I supposed I should've let her sit.

Sophia leaned in, though. “What the hell happened to you?” she whispered urgently.

“We were in a car accident. But it's just minor injuries, nothing major.” Lili had it the worst but even she just needed time to heal.

Sophia still frowned. “If it's not safe for you to be with her, you should leave. I know you like her and I imagine the money is nice but…” she trailed off.

I shook my head. “I don't think anyone else would ever put so much effort into keeping me safe.”

“But would you be in this much danger if you weren’t with her?” Sophia asked, hushed but urgent. 

I didn’t have a response ready for that. I had expected her to think Alisha was the direct cause of my injuries, but I forgot Sophia was smart. And it was a valid point that I wouldn’t be in this kind of danger if I hadn’t entered this relationship with her and, perhaps more damningly, hadn’t decided to stick so close when she was dealing with business. But Alisha was barely held together with tape and glue at times, no matter how well she hid it.  Alisha needed me as desperately as I needed her, just in a different way.

“I… was homeless,” I pointed out, since that situation had felt much worse.

Sophia went quiet again. If I didn’t stay with Alisha, I’d have nowhere else to go. Homeless shelters could be just as bad as sleeping outside and staying with my parents was out of the question at this point.

“And I – I love

her. Sure there is a price to pay and there’s an impact on my life and my physical safety… but I chose to stay with her because I need her. And she desperately needed someone too.”Sophia let the words sink in. “It’s your choice, ultimately,” she agreed. “But know that I’m here for you.” 

Alisha rejoined us a little after, and set a large mocha in front of me.

“How have things been, Sophia?” Alisha asked.

Sophia nodded. “I’ve been good,” she said. “You got in a car accident?” she asked Alisha. Alisha’s injuries weren't as obvious 

“Unfortunately, yes,” Alisha told her. She sat down quietly. “My Escapade got rammed by a MaxMart truck and rolled down a hill a couple times. Fortunately there weren’t any major injuries.”

Sophia was hesitant to let her concern go, but knew better than to push at the moment. “I’m glad you guys are alright. It sounds scary, though.”

Alisha rested her hand against my knee under the table. “Terrifying,” she agreed. “But there are measures getting put in place to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.” She sipped some tea, calmly as always but her fingers were tense on my knee.

I slid a hand to hers to offer a reassuring squeeze before going back to take a casual sip of hot mocha. 

Sophia didn’t comment right away. I had a feeling she was trying to parse what exactly that might mean. 

“How has school been?” I asked her.

“It’s… been a lot of work. And I’ve been a bit distracted,” she explained.

“Is everything okay at home?” I asked softer this time. It wasn’t that long ago her phone had mysteriously disappeared when our parents had been forbidden from speaking with me. That situation stank like a retaliation misdirected at Sophia.

She shrugged. “It’s been better. Mom and dad are starting to calm down. I know dad has a court date scheduled now. But he’s paying this lawyer a lot of money so…” she shifted a little nervously with a glance at Alisha. “The charges might not go through.”

Alisha didn’t make any indication of distress at this. 

“If a civil dispute needs to be opened, I can do that,” Alisha stated. “Kit’s safety and comfort is of great concern to me. I’m not against entering a legal dispute to keep her safe.”

Sophia nodded, quiet but reassured. “You’re not afraid to bring police attention?” she asked.

Alisha was deathly silent for a long moment.

“Uh–” I started to say. “I mean… that’s not of concern, I don’t think.”

Alisha’s hand squeezed my knee again.

Sophia was quiet still, observing the surface of the table intently. She knew what the question implied. And Alisha and I did as well.

“Kit’s safety is my top priority,” Alisha repeated, finally breaking the silence. “The police don’t need to know about anything under the table to pursue that. Especially when it comes to something like your father’s domestic abuse.”

There was surprise I quickly tried to wipe off my face. The details weren’t there but admitting to Sophia that there were things going on ‘under the table’ was putting a lot of trust in my sister. Then again, denying it wouldn’t help things either. 

Alisha took a casual sip of her tea again, glancing at Tye who was still watching the room. His focus was even more intense than ever. 

Sophia did her best to relax. She was put off by Alisha’s admission, perhaps sensing the danger that knowledge carried.

I pushed the conversation away from that topic and talked about coffee, being the most universal thing I could think of.

The mood did shift, Sophia relaxed and I could too.

That was until Tye approached our table.

We went quiet but he addressed Alisha, leaning down to mumble into her ear. I only caught a word or two that sounded like ‘Toni’ and ‘Sergei’ but it wasn't distinct enough for me to be confident.

I saw Alisha’s inhale and she nodded. Tye went back to his post, sitting and watching as she unlocked her phone and sent a few messages as Sophia and I watched.

Then she stood and patted my head.

“Sorry, Kit,” she said. “I have to go meet with someone. Tye’ll stay here with you but don't stay out too long, okay?”

I nodded. My stomach was squirming around in my guts. Even if there was distance between me and the situation. I knew what was going to happen to Toni if he got found. And if he and Sergei were working together, Sergei would probably get a fate just as cruel.

“Take care of yourself, Sophia,” Alisha said as farewell and headed to the door, stopping to quietly exchange a few words with Tye before continuing on.

Sophia waited, observing her as she got into the back of the Mercai with the other guard.

Then she leaned forward, dropping her voice again.

“Seriously, should I be concerned?” she asked.

I shook my head. “I'm safer with her than I ever was at home.” 

Sophia eyed Tye warily, but sat back again.

“Do I need to worry about what he overhears me say?” Sophia asked.

I shook my head again. “He won't do anything Alisha doesn't give him permission to. And Alisha won't let anything happen to you either.”

She took a deep breath. “Okay then.” She didn't ask right away but finally said. “Why does Alisha give me the impression she runs this city?”

“Hm…” I sorted through some possible responses to this but decided on, “she does demand a lot of respect and obedience from people, in a general sense.”

“Yes but…” Sophia glanced at Tye again. “That was like something out of The Godfather,” she explained. “And I still have chills about the face she made.”

I blinked.

“She had the face of someone who's about to skin someone alive,” she elaborated. “And that terrifies me because you live with her.”

“I see.” I followed her thought process but I couldn't divulge more information. Knowing she was involved with the criminal world was one thing but admitting that she ran it was too far. “I promise, she's not going to let anything happen to me and by extension to you. She grew up completely unable to express emotions or empathy properly but she cares far more than she lets on. She's not heartless.’

“Bit still… the circumstances… if someone targets her then…”

“I know. We talked about it but I accepted the risks.”

Sophia nodded. “I understand. It's your decision ultimately but… if you ever need to get away fast, let me know. I can drive you wherever. And you should have an emergency bag put together in case that happens.”

“I… guess so.” Even if it wasn't because of something Alisha did, that probably wasn't a bad idea. Her life was unstable, particularly now. “Yeah I can do that. It'll make you feel better about it?”

“Yes,” Sophia agreed.

“Okay.”

We settled in to talk more about the day to day: her cashier job, I told her about my job applications and even the interview already scheduled at a Starmaids. She was happy to hear I was looking for work. Financial independence and what not being important in a relationship like Alisha and I’s.

I finished my mocha far before we actually said our goodbyes. And before I left I told her, “if you ever need anything, let me know. I know it might feel weird but Alisha does care about you, and if you’re in danger or just really uncomfortable, I’m sure she’d like to make an effort to fix it.”

Sophia gave me a hug. “I'm fine, Kit. I'm more worried about you.” When we separated, she reminded me, “if you need help, let me know, okay?”

I nodded. We said our final goodbyes, and I went with Tye back to Alisha’s house.