Betrayed by Blood (Betrayed #1)

by Victoria Renteria

  Crouching down so that we’re now eye level, he leans forward before asking, “Are you all right?” The deep timber of his rich American accent takes me by surprise. I just assumed he was Korean when he was talking to the older gentleman, not that I could hear anything other than the deep growl emanating from within his chest. Inhaling, I take a deep breath, preparing to answer his question. Right away, his intoxicating scent surrounds me, filling my nose with lavender and sandalwood. My lashes fuse together as my eyes closed.

  He clears his throat and chuckles. Swallowing, I open my eyes, embarrassment heating my cheeks. My heart hitches, racing in my chest as I weakly reply in English, “Um, yes, I’m all right, thank you.”

  “My name’s Alexander Grant. You can call me Alex.”

  “Nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Kylee Parker.”

  “Kylee, would you like to come and join my friends and me for dinner?” He motions to a table in the corner where four other really large and incredibly hot guys are watching.

  “No. Thank you for the offer.” A smile tips the corner of his mouth.

  “Smart girl. But I would really feel better if you would come and join us. Sometimes locals can be a little brutal with outsiders, and I want to make sure he isn’t coming back. Honestly, it would just make me feel better. I promise no harm will come to you. It’s just dinner.”

  Biting my lip, I contemplate his words, wondering whether or not to trust the man in front of me. He continues holding eye contact with me for a few moments before I break away to look off into the distance. Silence stretches between us while my mind races. I decide to trust my instincts and accept the changes I’ve moved across the Atlantic Ocean for. I turn my head slightly and meet his violet gaze.

  Nodding, I say, “Sure, I’ll join you for dinner.”

  Why do I have a feeling that my life is about to be flipped upside down and torn to shreds all at the same time? Something tells me it’s all going to be courtesy of Mr. Violet Eyes.

  IT WAS AS IF I’D been punched in the gut. All of the air has whooshed out of my lungs and left me panting. Brighton cocks his eyebrow at me before tossing out in his British accent, “Yo, AJ, what’s gotten into you?” Following my line of sight right to the door, he lets out a low whistle. “Damn. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alpha get tongue tied over a woman before.”

  “Shut the hell up, Coop,” I growl, still fixated on the beautiful creature now situated at one of the tables.

  “She’s one serious piece, though, wouldn’t you say, Alpha?” Noah wags his eyebrows.

  My lip instantaneously curls at Noah’s comment. Noticing my reaction, a smile stretches across his face. “Yeah, I thought so, too, Alpha. I thought so, too.”

  Focusing my undivided attention on her and ignoring my bonehead brothers, I hear a moan slip from her lips. The sound has me adjusting my cock under the table, which is difficult considering the table is three feet high and I’m sitting on a damn pillow. Her eyes are half closed and her head is thrown back in ecstasy from the sake she’s just tasted. Dark brown hair hangs in loose waves around her shoulders, making me wonder what it would look like wrapped around my fist.

  Suppressing a groan, I try shifting again to relieve the pressure in my jeans, which isn’t working. I never get worked up over a woman. What is it about this one? The last time I was wrapped up with one it didn’t end so well. Grimacing, I take a swig of the beer sitting in front of me. Nope, not gonna take a trip down memory lane. Sam nudges me with his boot to grab my attention. He nods in the direction of a Korean man approaching my little goddess. When did she become my little goddess?

  A growl bursts from my lips as the man starts spouting racial slurs at her. Unfortunately, racism is all too real here and has me standing and heading in their direction. Sam and the others stand but I give a stiff shake of my head. I watch them take their seats out of the corner of my eye, remaining alert the entire time. Approaching the table, the fear in her eyes is apparent, causing my fists to clench at my sides. I step between her and the old man, cutting off his view of my goddess. He staggers back a step. Narrowing my eyes, I say through clenched teeth, “Is there a problem here?”

  “N—n—no,” he stutters.

  “Are you sure? It looked as if you were bothering the lady.” I take half a step forward, crowding his space again. He shudders. Smart man, he can sense the danger in me. Taking another step back, he shakes his head before turning and bolting out the door. Cooper roars with laughter, catching my attention and forcing me to look in their direction. Sam wears an amused expression as he points directly behind me. Looking over my shoulder, I catch Goddess checking out my ass just before she turns and tosses back a shot of sake.

  Smiling to myself, I turn around, cross my arms over my chest and patiently wait for her to turn back around. Slowly, she turns herself back in my direction and her eyes zero in on my cock. Thrusting forward slightly, I watch as she swallows, sucking her bottom lip into her mouth. Crouching down, I ask, “Are you all right?” Closing her eyes, she seems to breathe in my scent then lets out another one of those delicious groans, making my jeans become even tighter. Letting out a little laugh, I lean in closer.

  “Yes, I’m all right, thank you.”

  Fuck. Even the sound of her voice has me hard. Swallowing around the lump in my throat, I say, “My name’s Alexander Grant. You can call me Alex.”

  “Nice to meet you, Alex. My name’s Kylee Parker.”

  “Kylee would you like to come and join me and my friends for dinner?” I point to the table where the guys are sitting. “No. Thank you for the offer.” Smart little goddess. She doesn’t trust easily.

  Silence stretches between us as she contemplates whether or not to accept the offer. Shifting her gaze back to me, she replies, “Sure, I’ll join you for dinner.”

  Smiling, I extend my hand. “Come on, let me introduce you to the guys.” Still looking unsure, she sits for a moment. Suddenly, her brow furrows. What the hell is that about? Snapping my head to the side, I see her studying Brighton intently. “Something wrong?” I ask. Bringing her attention back to me, her olive skin flushes bright pink.

  “No, sorry. I thought I recognized someone, that’s all.” Tentatively, she reaches up and gently places her soft hand into my rough, callused one. The moment her hand touches mine a bolt of energy courses through my system and I’m unable to move.

  In that moment, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more beautiful. Eyes the color of milk chocolate darken. Her pink lips part just enough for the tip of her tongue to dart out, adding the tiniest bit of moisture. The clearing of a throat behind me brings me back to reality.

  “Table’s just over here. We have plenty of room.” Letting go of her hand, I lead her to the table. “Kylee this is Brit, Coop, Noah, and Sam. Don’t believe a word these yahoos tell you. I didn’t do any of it.”

  “Hey!” they all say in unison. A shy smile comes across her face. Sitting her down in my previous spot, I grab her sake from the other table before taking the seat next to her.

  “Here you go.”

  “Oh, thanks. I didn’t even think of that.” She takes the bottle from me, our fingers brushing in the process. Her breath catches at the contact and my skin instantly heats from her touch. Sam—with a smirk the size of Texas—decides to break the silence.

  “So, Kylee, where are you from?”

  “Um, well, everywhere, I guess. I’m an Army brat so we moved around a lot.”

  Sam looks at me and I give a quick shake of my head. There’s no way we’re divulging anything.

  Noah chimes in, “I bet you got to see a bunch of cool things.”

  “I guess. We were stationed in some decent places.” She stares off in to the distance as if she is lost in a memory. One that’s clearly not pleasant by the look on her face. The waitress approaches the table, bringing her back around. She plasters a smile on her face; one I can immediately tell she dons for show and does quite often. What’s happened to her? What’s
made her this way? Why does she feel the need to throw up a wall and block others out? And more importantly, why the fuck do I care?

  Thankfully, the waitress notices Kylee has joined our table and brings her order over. It’s quite common for others to join someone’s table and dine with them here.

  “These short ribs look amazing. I really hope I don’t go all vampire and gnaw on them raw. It’s been a while since I ate last.” She snorts as she tosses a short rib on the hibachi.

  “As long as you don’t sparkle or some shit like that I think we’ll be all right.” Cooper smirks. She nearly chokes on her sake and we all damn near die of laughter.

  “Oh my God. Are you telling me you actually watched that movie?” She beams a radiant smile at Cooper. Flushing bright red, he turns his head in the opposite direction.

  “No, I didn’t watch it,” he spits out.

  “Oh hell yes you did. Your face gave it away!” I thunder, slapping the table.

  Tears are practically streaming down my face as he turns an even brighter shade of red. Brighton, Noah, and Sam are laughing just as hard as I am when out of the corner of my eye I catch Kylee leaning into Cooper. The second she touches him a growl slips from my lips.

  “Be nice to him. There’s nothing wrong with him watching those movies. Besides, the books were amazing.” Smirking, she gives him a little squeeze on the shoulder before scooting back to her own pillow. Right about now I’d love to wipe that smug grin off Coop’s face. Leaning over the hibachi, she takes the cooked short rib, putting in on her plate with the kimchi and the pickled daikon. The moment the flavors hit her mouth her eyes close and a little moan slips past her lips. I think we all groaned in unison. All I know is yet again I’m shifting on this stupid pillow, trying to relieve the pressure in my jeans, but it’s useless.

  She must have sensed what she’d done because her cheeks and neck flame a luscious bright pink. She slowly peels one eye open then the next, moving her hand to cover her mouth to mumble, “Sorry, it’s just so good,” before casting her eyes down toward the table.

  Unable to help myself, I lean over and rumble into her ear, “Don’t apologize, doll. That was the sexiest damn thing I’ve ever seen.” Her cheeks heat from pink to red and I’m seriously fucking thrilled that I was able to do that, although I have no damn clue why.

  Looking around the table, she finally asks what I was waiting for. “So what brings you guys to Seoul?” Not wanting to give away anything, I jump in and say, “We’re contractors here on business.” She nods her head and smiles before taking another bite.

  “Kind of like me, I guess.”

  Huh, that’s interesting. “Oh, what do you do?” I say, trying to pump her for as much information as possible. Her face lights up at the question. Her eyes sparkle as if she is finally coming to life. Somewhere in my chest, I feel a pang, something telling me I need to keep this spark alive as long as possible.

  “I’m a teacher. Back in the States, I teach fourth grade. Here I’ll be teaching English to Korean students.” She graces me with her dazzling smile, stealing all the breath from my lungs.

  Forcing myself to take a breath, I return her smile. “I think you’ve got us beat. Your job is way more challenging.” Laughter sounds around the table once again. Sitting back, I watch as she falls into easy conversation with my brothers as we eat. It’s clear from the way she guards herself she doesn’t open up. There’s a draw that’s pulling me to her but I can’t afford to be sucked into this, especially now. Not with everything going on. Running a hand through my hair, I focus on the conversation.

  “Seo-Jun Preparatory is where I teach.” Kylee releases a sigh of pleasure as the combination of flavors hit her palate once more.

  “So, Kylee, what did you do for fun back in the States?” Noah asks, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  Swallowing, she replies, “Nothing, I’m actually really boring. My best friend Emma would drag me out for girls’ night once a week but I went kicking and screaming.”

  “I can see you being dragged out kicking and screaming.” Noah chuckles.

  “Yeah, that’s pretty much what Emma does whether I like it or not,” Kylee grumbles.

  Brighton rumbles something from the other side of the table, stealing Kylee’s attention. Eyeing him intently, she bends forward slightly. Pointing her finger directly at Brighton, her tone demanding, she says, “It was you. You were there that night.”

  Brighton gives her a stiff nod before grabbing his beer and taking a gulp. Looking to him once more, she whispers, “Thank you.” Brighton turns, catching her gaze, his features automatically softening. His lips curve into a soft smile as he tosses her a wink. Kylee opens her mouth as if to say something more but decides against it at the last moment.

  Brighton’s eyes wander in my direction and I quirk my eyebrow at him questioningly. Narrowing his gaze, he shrugs his shoulders. Struggling with my emotions, I’m ready to ask how they know each other when I see my little goddess shifting.

  Placing her hands on the table, she smiles and says, “Gentlemen, this has been a pleasure but I’ve had a very long few days and I still have work to do. I’m sorry to say I have to go.”

  Reaching into her bag, she tosses some money on the table and stands to leave.

  Rising, I block her path before saying, “Can I walk you home?”

  “Honestly, I’m just down the street. It’s not necessary but thank you.” She tries to walk around me. Muffled sounds of laughter come from the table behind us. Peering over her shoulder, I glare at the guys, imploring them to shut their traps.

  Sweat begins to bead on my brow as I stare at the goddess in front of me. Chocolate colored eyes that speak of endless pain and suffering look upon me with uncertainty, sealing my fate.

  “Kylee, I would feel much better if I could just walk you to your door. This city is dangerous and the last thing I need is to read about you in the newspaper.” Surprise registers on her face for just a moment before it’s gone. She peers deeply into my eyes as if searching for the answer to an unasked question.

  Her response comes on a sigh. “All right, Alex, you can walk me home.”

  Darting my eyes over her shoulder, I catch a glimpse of the guys’ faces and it’s damn near comical. All four of them are staring with their mouths hanging open. Rushing, I toss out, “Hey, guys, I’m gonna walk Kylee home. It’s just down the street. I’ll catch up with you later.” Making our way to the door, I hold it open, biting my lip when she accidentally brushes my arm.

  “I’m just this way.” She points to the left. We start walking in silence as a cool breeze picks up, filling my nostrils with her scent. Inhaling, I breathe in the scent of cherry blossoms and sandalwood.

  “So, Kylee, have you ever been to Korea before?”

  “No. My dad and I were stationed plenty of places but Korea was never one of them.”

  “How do you like it so far?”

  “Well, I really haven’t been here for more than twenty-four hours so I can’t say. I mean, what I’ve seen is beautiful.”

  “It is beautiful. Have you ever been hiking before?”

  “Yes. I lived in Arizona for a while and I used to hike South Mountain a lot. That’s one thing about where I lived in the south. There were great trails, but not any good hiking mountains.”

  “You should try some of the mountains while you’re here. They’re great for hiking. The guys and I do it all the time.”

  “You seem to get along well.”

  “Yeah, I’ve known them for a long time. We’ve been through a lot together. They’re more like brothers than anything else.” A smile forms as I think about the trials we’ve been through.

  “Um, this is me.” She points to the building just ahead.

  “You’re kidding, right?” My comment catches her off guard.

  Taking a step back, her eyes widen just a fraction.

  “Um, no. This is my apartment building.”

  Chuckling, I step closer, closing the d
istance once again.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just this is my apartment building, too.”

  “Really?” The look on her face is one of complete and total disbelief.

  “Really. I’m on the third floor in apartment number four.”

  Shaking her head from side to side, she begins walking to the door. Grabbing her elbow, I spin her around to face me.

  “Seriously, Kylee, I’m not joking. I live here. I promise I’m not being a creepy stalker. It’s a total coincidence.”

  “This is just too weird,” she mumbles, shaking me loose and walking to the elevator.

  “Hey, wait up!”

  Why is she running off? Did I say something to scare her? More importantly, why the hell do I even care? Climbing into the elevator behind her, I notice she hits the button for the third floor. Smiling inwardly, I follow her off the elevator and down the hall when I notice her stop at her door. Looking up at the number, I can’t help the huge grin that spreads across my face.

  “Well, I guess we’re neighbors. Seeing as I’m right across the hall, if you need to borrow a cup of sugar or anything . . .” Shrugging my shoulders, I wink and let my suggestion hang in the air. Pink immediately floods her cheeks, igniting my blood.

  “Um, I don’t really think I’ll need sugar but thanks for the offer.”

  Turning, she unlocks her door, leaving me dumbfounded. My brain is having a difficult time getting a read on her. Seriously, one minute she’s hot and the next she’s cold like that damn pop song suggests. Stepping into her apartment, she’s just about to close the door when she turns back and looks at me one last time, giving me that dazzling smile and stealing my breath.

  “Thank you, Alex. I really do appreciate you walking me home.” She’s still smiling as the door closes. Frozen to the spot, I stare at her closed door for several moments before smiling. Turning, I head to my apartment, humming the theme song to “Friends” the whole way.