Edward laughed at his own joke as he downed the last of his wine. His partner, Rachel, did her best to laugh along with him as Alex and Chloe gazed at each other awkwardly.
"So, all that to say, my father finalized the merger of our company, Chem Tech, with Sharp Edge. It'll be the beginning of a new era." Edward said.
"But I thought you said your family's company was hurting for cash. Are you sure Sharp Edge won't try to cut you out when it's all said and done?" Alex asked, taking small bites of his steak in an attempt to look relaxed.
"Cash is a concern, but we aren't desperate. Chem Tech still stores and ships the largest amount of natural resources planetwide. This merger isn't about trying to save our company. It's an angle for me to become a Noble." Edward said. He held out his wineglass, shaking it at Rachel for her to refill it. She forced a grin as she did it.
Rachel was human, a beautiful one. Her blonde hair, green eyes, and olive complexion suited her athletic body. She was the kind of woman found only with the most powerful and elite. The kind of woman only someone like Edward could attract. It felt surreal to Alex that he was hosting two pillars of modern society in his small home. Alex and Chloe had done well for themselves since joining Sharp Edge, but they were mere peasants compared to Edward and Rachel.
Alex couldn't deny that the possibility of swinging with someone like Rachel excited him. More than once, he had glanced at her during dinner, hoping he might catch her attention. While she had spared him a polite smile occasionally, her gaze remained glued to Chloe. In fact, throughout their dinner, both Edward and Rachel were smitten by her. They were transfixed, almost ignoring Alex completely as they conversed.
This didn't surprise Alex, however. Chloe always turned heads, and he knew Edward had asked about swinging with them solely for the chance to fuck a vixen. Rachel's interest was a surprise, however. Alex knew little about her but hadn't considered the fact that she also had come here to be with Chloe, and not him.
"Wait, they're going to make you a Noble formally? Are you sure?" Chloe asked with surprise.
"You better believe it," Edward said with a smirk. Chloe looked over at Rachel.
"Wow! You must be so proud of him, Rachel, that's a huge deal!" Chloe said.
Rachel shrugged as she took a sip of wine. "It really was only a matter of time, besides it's not like it affects me any." Chloe tilted her head in confusion.
"Well, I mean, it would change your living situation, no?"
"Why would it?" Rachel raised an eyebrow as she looked over at Edward. "Is there something I'm missing?"
"I think Chloe has a pegged for a typical couple," Edward smiled at Chloe, his eyes glancing down at the cleavage popping out of her dress before sipping from his glass.
"Wait, so you two... aren't together?" Chloe asked. Rachel let out a snort.
"Oh my god, Edward and I? Together? Like a couple? I would rather die." Rachel looked over at Edward and slapped him on the shoulder. "You didn't tell them about our situation?"
"Well, I told Alex. I guessed I figured he'd bring it up," Edward said, looking at Alex. "What gives man? You're making me look bad."
"Sorry, it might have slipped my mind," Alex fumbled his words, sounding much more timid tone than he would've liked. Edward chuckled and nodded.
"You see? We both fucked up. Things get so busy, it's not our fault. We're sorry, yatta yatta," Edward said.
"So... that means you two are?" Chloe glanced over at Alex, hoping he might elaborate further.
"Edward and Rachel are more like... sex partners," Alex said, looking at Edward, "Right? Is there a better term for it?"
Edward wrapped his arm around Rachel. "Alex has it right. We're very good friends... Who also happen to fuck other people from time to time."
"So romantic, isn't it?" Rachel said playfully, looking at Chloe while she rubbed Edward's chest slowly.
"Oh my god, I'm so embarrassed. I'm so sorry, I had no idea," Chloe said bashfully. Rachel and Edward let out an amused laugh.
"Relax," Edward said, "It's not a big deal. Though I am surprised Alex hadn't made that clear before our arrival."
"I really didn't think it was that big of a deal," Alex replied with a nervous laugh.
"Big thing to overlook," Edward said with a smirk.
"Well, like you said. It happens," Eager to change the subject, Alex continued, "Seriously though Edward, congrats on the Noble title. It really is a huge deal."
"Yes," Chloe chimed in, "Seriously, congratulations. Lord knows you deserve it, considering everything you've done for your father's company and for friends like us."
"Ah, stop it," Edward said, waving them off.
"I mean it!" Chloe leaned forward eagerly, her breasts pressing against the dinner table. Both Rachel and Edward looked without hesitation. Alex felt a knot in his stomach at the sight. "You really are a great person, Edward. I don't know where Alex and I would've been if you hadn't stuck your neck out for us. We'd probably still be drifting in space. Moving from station to station with no future, waiting until we either starve or run out of money to pay for clean oxygen."
"You brought yourself here, Chloe. I'm no saint. Trust me on that," Edward replied casually, his eyes now locked on Chloe's body. He didn't bother to hide it, and Alex was sure Chloe had noticed by now. But she didn't change her posture. She pursed her lips, pushing her breasts together while Edward and Rachel ogled her.
"Well, all the same. We couldn't have done it without you." Chloe said gently.
