“I work at the back and I don’t deal with any guests at the hotel,” I explained. Well, not anymore at least.
“Come with me, Isla. I want to get to know you a little better.” Nicole smiled and reached out her hand.
Save me, Kai! He smiled at me apologetically. My shaking hands reached to hers and she linked her arm with mine and led me to the patio. We sat down next to each other on the empty lounge chairs.
“You don’t have to be scared. I just want to get to know the girl that’s stolen my son’s heart.” She gave me a warm smile which I reciprocated.
“I guess I’m nervous right now more than anything,” I confessed.
“Why? You’ve got nothing to hide.” She continued. “Right?” Her expression was serious and for a moment I thought she was, until her eyes softened and a smile formed on her lips. I felt myself relax with a deep breath.
“Nothing whatsoever,” I lied.
“So how did you meet my son?” she beamed. It was the question I was waiting for. I couldn’t tell her about the day on the bridge, or the time that he asked for a call girl, so I gave her half a lie.
“Well, we met in the lobby of the hotel I work at. I clumsily bumped into him and we started talking. He asked me out and I said yes right away.
“God, that’s so unlike him.”
I gave her a confused look. “What do you mean?”
“He’s not the type of person to bring home a girl. In fact, you’re the first girl he’s ever brought home for us to meet, so forgive us for being fucking ecstatic about it,” she chuckled.
I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Kai and I had more in common than I realized. There was never a time I wanted to bring anyone home to meet my parents, not just because of the abuse, but also because I never found anyone I cared enough about. “Well, I never brought anyone home to meet mine either,” I confessed.
“Really?” Nicole grinned and I smiled. “You know what he does for a living right? He told us he mentioned it to you.”
“Yes, it’s amazing what he does. He told me you’re a cop too.”
“Yeah, I work at a different precinct as my husband who is the Chief where Kai works,” she explained. Do you think you could handle his undercover assignments?”
At that moment, I recalled the two days I hadn’t heard from Kai and how sick I felt with worry. “I can’t lie, I know I’d be worried more than anything, but it is his job. One I believe he’s extremely good at. It’s only natural to be concerned about the people we love, no matter what job they do. We are only human.”
Pleased with what I had said, a smile formed on her lips. “That’s so true. I love my husband but when he used to go on assignment, I felt the same way.”
“How did you deal with it?”
“Lots of fucking whiskey and wine,” she chuckled.
Nicole asked me about my family and I told her I wasn’t close with them. She was disappointed to hear that and told me that family meant everything to her. Nicole is an incredible woman. Kai is lucky to have such a strong female role model in his life. We talked about her kids and she lit up when she spoke about them.
“God help you if you ever have two boys. I love them more than anything, but they were pretty full on when they were younger. Always fighting and then making up. Hot and cold between the two of them. You’ll know if you ever have kids of your own what family really means.”
I felt a sudden lump in my throat which triggered my eyes to swell. Pushing the negative thoughts away, I hoped his mom didn’t notice.
“Please don’t hurt him,” she begged. I arrowed my eyes at her.
“What?”
“He’s been hurt in the past. I don’t want him to go through the pain again. I never met the girl before you, but I know she was not good.”
Kai and I never discussed our previous relationships. He did tell me once not to break his heart, and it never occurred it was because of a failed relationship.
“I would never hurt him. I love him more than anything.”
“Thank you,” Nicole whispered, running her fingers through her hair.
My eyes focus on Kai who’s talking to Ace and Ginny. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Nicole and I stood up and made our way to Kai. “How was the conversation with my mom?”
“She’s amazing,” I smiled.
“I know. We’re lucky to have her,” Kai agreed. I turned my head and notice Ace was staring at me. God, I need to get the fuck away from him.
“Let’s grab a drink, baby.” Kai nodded and took my hand, leading me to the bar.
“Man I wanted to punch that guy in the face,” Kai growled.
“What happened?”
“He was being a dick. I saw the way he looked at you and it made my blood boil.” Kai’s fists closed and he gritted his teeth. I took a deep breath and told the truth about to Kai about who Ace was, and how he used to be a client.
“Did you know?”
“That he was married? No.” I continued. “He wasn’t happy that I stopped being his call girl.”
Kai’s eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Son,” Kai’s dad interjected. We both turned to him. “Can I see you for a minute, son?”
Kai looked at me and I nodded. “Go with your dad. I need to go to the bathroom. I’ll explain everything later.”
“Sure thing. Bathroom is the first door on your right after you walk past the kitchen.”
I smiled, and made my way inside the house. After I refreshed myself, I stepped outside from the bathroom and Ace was standing in front of me.
“I told you I’ll see you soon,” he smirked.
“Ace, what the hell do you want from me? I told you to leave me alone!”
“That’s the guy you left me for?” He stepped closer and I took a step back. Ace continued until I had no choice but to crash against the wall. “That’s the guy that gets to taste that sweet pussy of yours instead of me?”
I tried to step aside to move away from me, but Ace blocked my path. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret,” I warned.
“The only thing I regret, is getting together with a slut like you.”
I shook my head in disgust. “Leave me the fuck alone, Ace!”
“I’m not done with you yet.” He moved in closer and I could feel his breath on me, making my skin crawl. I placed both hands on his chest and pushed him away as hard as I could. Ace stumbled back and chuckled to himself. Holding his chin in his hand, he looked right into my eyes.
“I wonder what Nicole would think knowing her son is dating a hooker.”
“Probably the same thing your wife would say if she knew you stepped out of the marriage.”
Ace’s laugh was evil. “My wife knows,” he continued. “Does he know that I had you first? That my cock was deep inside you before he even got to kiss you.”
“See that’s where you’re wrong. Kai had his lips on mine before you ever did. Now when I tell you to back the fuck off, I mean it.”
Before I could react, Ace sauntered right up to me and tried to grab my ass. Using the strength I had, I swung my arm and slapped him right across the face.
“Fucking bitch. I’ll have you again. I know I will,” he threatened before he lunged at me causing my croaky voice to scream as loud as I could.
Without warning, Nicole came inside hearing my cries for help. She witnessed what Ace was trying to do, grabbed him by the collar and threw him to the ground. Getting on top of Ace before she started whaling on him. Punch after punch and blow after blow, she beat him so bad that I could see the crimson blood splatter from his face.
“No means no, asshole!”
Kai and his dad ran in and pulled Nicole away from Ace with difficulty. I covered my mouth with my hands and watched in horror.
Fuck. I think he’s dead.
26
Not Good Enough
Kai looked over to his mom with clenched fists and glaring eyes. “What the fuck happened?”
Nico
le was trying to catch her breath, and the heat radiating from her body could’ve been felt a mile away. She turned to me and her expression softened.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded quickly. Kai turned to me, cupped my face with his hands, and whispered beneath his breath. “Baby?”
Allowing myself to look at him, my eyes stung with tears. “I tried to push him away. I slapped him across the face.”
Kai brushed his lips against mine and I welcomed the kiss. Needing to be close to him, to feel safe again, but I also knew it was to calm himself down, because all I could feel was the trembling of his lips. When he pulled away, our eyes locked in place but only for a moment. His attention turned to Ace when we hear him begin to cough.
Fuck! He’s still alive.
Kai leaned over and growled at Ace. “You’re lucky we pulled my mom off you. She would have killed you for trying to touch my girl. Fuck. I should kill you for touching her.” He leaned in closer. “If you ever lay one finger on her, you won’t be so lucky next time.” Kai stood up and locked Ace just under his rib causing him to whimper. “Now get up and get the fuck out of here!” Kai yelled.
Ginny walked inside and Kai turned to her. “Tell your husband next time to keep his hands to himself.”
She turned to me. “You did this you fucking tramp. He told me all about you. Fucking prostitute who couldn’t take no for an answer.” She swung her hips at Nicole. “Did you know that your son is dating a hooker? How can you be okay with him dating a tramp?”
All I could hear was the loud thumping of blood in my ears. My eyes swelled again and Kai looked at me with sympathy. Kai tried to walk up to me but I took a step back.
“Baby,” he whispered.
Suddenly, a feeling of hands had grasped my throat and I couldn’t breathe. I need to get out of here. My head dipped low and I ran towards the guest lounge room, opened the closet, and took out my bag and jacket.
“Baby, what are you doing?”
“I’m no good for you, Kai. I’m an embarrassment,” I cried.
“Don’t start that shit with me, Isla.” Kai stopped me when I tried to make a beeline for the door. “She’s a bitch. She’s pissed because her husband stepped out on her. Please, baby. Don’t do this,” he begged desperately. I knew I wasn’t good for him. How could his parents accept me after what they’ve just found out? They wouldn’t want someone like me for their son.
Kai grabbed my hips and brought me closer to him, capturing my lips with his. It’s a kiss I’ve memorized a thousand times before, and my body went weak the moment our mouths collided. Trying to pull away from him, Kai only tightened his grasp, intensifying our kiss. I tried to give into him like I’ve done before, but my body wouldn’t let me.
I can’t breathe.
Using every strength in my bones, I pulled away and stepped back.
“When I told you that you’re mine, I fucking meant it,” Kai yelled.
“Please don’t hate me. I just need space to breathe.”
“You think you can breathe without me? I can’t breathe without you, Isla. I never could since that first moment on the bridge.”
“I’m sorry,” I sobbed. “Please, baby. Just a little space.”
Kai’s eyes swelled with tears. “Fine,” he groaned and stepped aside allowing me to walk past him, but before I could leave, he grabbed my and pulled me back into a kiss. This time, my body gave into him. His hands gripped my waist and his lips devoured me whole. Kai’s forehead rested on mine when we pulled away.
“So you don’t forget.”
I could never forget you, Kai.
Kai
Isla just walked out of the house and headed to her car. I looked down on the floor to see if the broken pieces of my heart were scattered around the room. I guess she took them with her.
Ace. What the fuck did he do to my girl? God, is she still my girl? Fuck.
After I got control of my emotions, I stormed back into the room where Ace, Ginny, and my parents were.
“I told you to get the fuck out of my house!” my mom yelled.
After I threatened Ace again, Ginny helped her husband out and they left quietly.
“I need a fucking drink. Someone grab me a whiskey!”
My mom and I sat down on the couch while my dad got her something to relax.
“Was it true?”
A deep sigh escaped my lips. “Yes, she used to be a call girl, but it was only for a couple of months. She stopped as soon as we got together. I love her, mom. I met her a long time ago,” I explained.
“I can tell you love her, son. You need to find her and talk to her.” My dad tried to convince me.
“She’s embarrassed. She thinks you hate her and that she’s not good for me.”
“We don’t hate her, darling. We just don’t know her that well. Invite her over again, just the four of us and ask her parents to come along,” my mom continued. “It will work out.”
My eyes widen and my mom noticed my expression. “What is it you’re not telling us?”
I took out my phone and brought up the photo of the missing person’s report and showed it to my parents.
“I remember that. What does it have to do with Isla?” Mom’s eyes narrowed.
“That is Isla, mom.”
Her jaws clenched. “That can’t be right. Are you sure?
I nodded. “She was kidnapped when she was six and abused by her father and his friend. She’s been through a fucking hard time, but come out stronger for it. Remember when I told you that I saw a girl on the bridge that tried to jump?”
“Oh, God. Please don’t tell me that was Isla,” cried mom.
I nodded. “I love her and she loves me. I don’t care what other people think.”
“I can see that. You need to fight for her and fuck what everyone thinks!” Mom yelled.
Isla
I walked out of that house trying to take in any breath I could master. It was proven difficult when all I could think about was what Ginny said. On repeat, like child singing an annoying song from a Disney film.
The next day, I was sitting in the couch in my living room with a tub of cookies and cream in my hand. I used the spoon to scrape the cookie portion of my comforter. Suddenly, there was a loud knock. Who the hell could that be? After I placed the ice cream down on the coffee table, I made my way to answer the door.
“What are you doing here?” I narrowed my eyes at Nicole. “Sorry, that came out rude. I’m just surprised to see you.” She gave me an apologetic look before her eyes honed in on the faded bruise on my face that Jim caused.
“Did Ace do that to you?” I shook my head and stepped aside, allowing her to walk into my apartment. We sat down on the couch and she turned to face me, but I avoided her gaze.
“Isla, you can look at me.” After I hesitated, I slowly moved my head towards her. “My son loves you more than anything, but I’m not here to talk to you about that.”
“What?” I narrowed my eyes.
“I’m here to talk to you about your mom. She was found hiding and someone brought her in to the station. You’ll have your chance to confront her and get the closure you deserve.”
Oh, shit. Kai told his parents everything.
“Thank you.”
“Isla, one more thing before I leave. You’re perfect for our son because no one has ever loved him the way you do. We don’t care what you’ve done before. As long as you’re loyal to Kai and he’s loyal to you, that’s all that matters to us.”
My eyes swelled with tears and I smiled at Nicole. I thanked her for coming by and she left, begging me to get in contact with Kai. Knowing I needed the support, I called Holden and told him about everything that happened with Ace, Kai and mom. Holden agreed to come with me to the police station when I made the decision to confront the woman that kidnapped me.
“Excuse me. I’m here to see the woman that was brought in here for kidnapping.” I told the young girl behind the desk. She smiled at me.
“Oh, let me just grab Stormy.”
Stormy? What the fuck?
She headed in the back, and I turned to Holden. “Stormy? What kind of fucked up nickname is that?” he chuckled.
Kai came out from the back and I turned towards him. “Isla,” he whispered.
Our eyes locked, and for a moment, just a brief moment, I saw hope in them. It soon faded when he realized I wasn’t there for him.
“Hi,” I croaked.
“Don’t forget, Stormy. We leave soon,” the girl interjected.
Kai ignored the girl and led Holden and I to the interview room at the back. Looking through the window, I could see my mom sitting down on the chair with a blank expression and Kai’s dad was talking to her, but she was not responding. Kai’s dad suddenly stood up and walked out the room.
“Hello, Isla. I take it you want to talk to her.”
I nodded. “Yes, please.”
“I’m here outside if you need me,” Holden whispered. I smiled at him and locked eyes with Kai before he turned his head away. A deep sigh escapade my mouth when I walked into that room.
“I told you I wasn’t going to talk, so give up. I’m not going to say anything. Her eyes were closed but they opened up when I sat down in front of her. “Isla, what the fuck are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you to get some closure.”
“Closure? Ha! You treat your mother and father the way you did and now you want closure?”
“You were never my mother and he was never my father. You took me when I was six. What kind of people would do what you two did to a kid?” I yelled. “You’re screwed up. Completely fucked in the head. To allow what he did to me. You’re sick. Disgusting.”
“You’re damaged goods. No one will want you. You’re pathetic. Nothing.”
I wondered if Kai could hear what she as saying to me. Those words were my undoing. I stood up only appearing confident.
“I don’t need you. I never have. Good luck rotting in prison.” Breathing heavy, I stormed out of that interview room and looked for Kai, but he had left. Holden pulled me in for a hug and my uncontrollable emotions took over.
His Desire Page 25
