“Your neighbors would have called the cops, so you have to be here,” Kiya sat up and took his face in her hands. “Ian, you need to be here and file the report to cover your ass. I understand this has to be answered in our way, but if there is a record that this happened and you were protecting yourself...”
“Yeah, I get it.” He was amazed that she was thinking about him so rationally after being almost killed. “But the news, the cops, you being here...it will all be in the open. Are you ready to face that, Kiya? Your brother, your family, everyone will know.”
She met his gaze. “You are willing to leave this life for me and I’m willing to stand by your side. We will face this together.”
“They won’t ever stop coming after me...” Ian let the words drop.
“Then we will leave this damn city,” she said fiercely. “We face this together.”
He stood and held out his hand to her and pulled her against them. “We do this and we fight for our love.”
She looked up at him. “You love me?”
Ian nodded. “More than my own life.”
“I love you too.” She smiled and it cut through the dimness of the night and, to him, it dulled the smell of gunpowder in the air.
He heard the sirens wailing towards them and people outside his door. “Together,” he said before kissing her gently. He already had an idea of who ordered the attempted hit. He would do this part her way to cover his ass, but they’d see before he left this fucking city why King Mordha should never be crossed. They almost hurt the woman he loved, he would damn them all to hell for it.
Chapter Six
She said she was ready for anything but Kiya hadn’t known exactly what that would entail. The look of horror, anger and hurt on her brother’s face when he responded to the shooting was one part, the news reports naming her as the mobster’s courtesan like in some old world gangster movie was another. The king and his queen, the news had dubbed them, and she hated the attention it caused, but she would stay true to the man she loved because he was on his way to a better life with her.
Kiya recalled the conversations after the incident. Kevin showed up as part of the investigation of the shooting, she could see it in his eyes. The almost gloating,
greedy look that maybe this time he could link Ian to something criminal. When her brother saw her, it was like someone had burst his bubble. The Mordha hand had reached out and plucked from the tree of his family.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from Ian’s side and hissed. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“My boyfriend was assaulted while we were having a quiet dinner,” she said in explanation.
“So you’re letting him use you as some kind of shield?” Kevin asked. “Does he think that fucking the sister of a cop gets him special treatment?”
His words were like a slap in the face. “He doesn’t even know who you are, don’t think you are so high up that he would give a damn who my brother is.”
Kevin spoke through clenched teeth. “That’s the stance you’re taking, because sister or not I will arrest you if you’ve done anything illegal. I can’t believe you’ve been tainted by this man. Don’t think you’ll be bringing him to family gatherings like he isn’t the damn killer he is.”
“I can’t believe you judge a person without knowing the whole truth, and if the family can’t accept my choices then kudos, they are as single-minded and judgmental as you and I don’t need to be there.” Kiya lifted her head. “So, detective, maybe you should do your job and investigate a crime?”
He turned his back to her and stormed away as his people asked her and Ian more questions that had to do with the shooting. It was the first time it seemed that they were ever in a Mordha home because she saw them looking in places, hoping to find something incriminating.
“You can look around all you want, I don’t think the bullets were in my bedroom, but check the toilet if you need to. This is my home and all,” Ian said mildly.
It didn’t seem to faze him but Kiya saw his clenched fist and knew the second invasion of the police was another insult. Yet he did it for her. They finally left and he packed up some clothes and made sure his house was secure before they went outside to cameras and news reporters. Ian helped her into the car and they ended up spending the night at a five-star hotel.
But that wasn’t the end of it. Back at home she faced the reporters as she prepared for work and then she went to the school. Apparently while they slept the media dissected her life and broadcasted it across every station in Chicago and beyond. She wasn’t even in her class for two minutes before the headmistress called her to the office. She heard the whispers of colleagues she’d worked with for ten years, but kept her head straight as she walked by.
“Ms. Gunn, it has come to my attention you gave Claire a ride to her mother at her place of employment in the vehicle of a known criminal,” Mrs. Wilder, the headmistress, said.
Kiya sat down and gave her employer a candid look. “When I came to the office to call Claire’s mother because her father did not pick her up, you were practically out the door yourself and you said for me to make the best determination in the matter. Claire arrived to her mother safe and sound and you were home in time for your before-dinner brandy.”
Mrs. Wilder pursed her lips. “Even so, we cannot have the school associated in matters where criminals are involved.”
“How is Ian Mordha a criminal? His father is the one who has the notoriety around his name, and even he has not been convicted of a crime,” Kiya pointed out. “Or is Ian guilty by default of who fathered him?”
Mrs. Wilder spread her arms. “I don’t see what you expect me to do here, Kiya?”
“I have been a teacher here for ten years and done a remarkable job. I have been awarded various grants and accreditations for my work here at the school and the school benefited because of it,” Kiya explained. “I expect that you still see me as a valuable and exceptional teacher, regardless of whom I may have a relationship with.”
“There are only two options: you end your association with the Mordha name or I feel we must ask for your resignation,” Mrs. Wilder said.
“Then my resignation it will be,” Kiya stood. “I’ll clear my desk before the class gets in, so you don’t have to explain to them what a judgmental woman you are. Oh, by the way, at the school’s last Christmas party, your husband tried to grope me and ended up with your secretary in the utility closet. The entire faculty knows it... but you know... you keep that highbrow attitude of yours.”
Mrs. Wilder opened and closed her mouth like a guppy out of water and she felt some satisfaction. It was a small comfort in the midst of the desolation of knowing she was leaving the children she loved to teach each day. Kiya left, and while some of her colleagues understood her position, most took the stance of the headmistress. She didn’t care, she loved the children and would find another job taking care of them again. But she wouldn’t stay in a place that so casually decided to side in judgment with the masses without knowing the whole truth.
But of course, the day from hell did not end there. It was on a momentum to screw with Kiya’s sanity. The news reporters had gone from her building and she sighed with relief. Outside her apartment two large men stood like centurions and ,without even a word, one opened her door and ushered her inside with one hand. Sitting in her armchair was none other than Collin Mordha himself.
“I would ask how the hell you got into my apartment, but,” she sighed and dropped her purse. “I am so tired of people breaking into my home.”
He assessed her coldly. “I don’t see what appeals to him about you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Mr. Mordha, would you like to sit? Oh, you already are. Coffee then, or did they already make you lunch in my kitchen?” she replied sarcastically.
His lips twitched. “You got balls. I like that.”
“I couldn’t care less. What do you want?” Kiya asked.
He stood. “Be careful how you s
peak to me, girl. I could call those two men in here and they would do unspeakable things to you before snapping your neck. No one would be the wiser because no one in this building would talk.”
She glared at him. “Do not try to scare or intimidate me, it won’t work. For one, not only would my brother the cop be on your ass, you would have to contend with Ian.” Kiya paused for a minute and smiled coldly herself. “By the look in your eyes when I mentioned his name, you don’t want to fuck with him.”
“Fifty thousand to leave Chicago and say goodbye to Ian,” his father said.
“No.”
“One hundred thousand—”
“No.”
“Half a million dollars,” he countered again.
“No, and we love each other so no matter what amount you name, I won’t take it,” she said.
“I could hurt your family,” he snapped.
“Again, if you do, you don’t want Ian on your ass.” Kiya pointed to the door. “Get out and maybe I’ll tell him you were nice or something.”
He grabbed her suddenly, the strength of his arms belying his age. “You may think that you are under Ian’s protection, but things happen to young women like yourself. You stay with him, you accept his life as is and the world he lives in because that boy is never leaving my side. And if you try to turn him away, you can be assured he will find you in that bed with your throat slit and they’ll think my son did it, and King will come running to me to fix it.” He shoved her away and she almost fell to the floor. “I’ll see myself out.”
He left quietly, closing the door while she sat on the sofa before her legs gave out. For all her bravery, his father’s words were quite clear. Ian wouldn’t be allowed to leave and if she tried to change his mind she would be dead. What did I get myself into? she wondered. She felt hot tears burn her eyes because she was losing everything, and what if he decided that it was too hard, did she just turn her life upside down for nothing?
She took her cell from her purse and pressed Ian’s number. She felt instant relief when he answered on the first ring.
“Hey, my love, I thought you’d be in class,” he said.
She sighed. “There was a snag in that. I’m home and before the reporters come back, where should I go for some peace and quiet?”
“What’s going on? Did they suspend you because of the news?” Ian asked.
“Something like that.” Her reply was dull and she didn’t want to tell him over the phone what a shit storm of a day she was having. “So where are we going?”
“Riley said we can go to his place. He’s at a medical conference in Hawaii and they don’t know we are best friends. He saw the news there too and called to check in,” he explained. “I’m taking care of stuff with my condo and a few other things, then I’ll meet you there. Pack a bag; we can stay for a week or so until I get things settled.”
“Okay. Bring dinner please, I don’t want to see outside for a while,” she begged.
“That kind of day, huh?” His voice was quiet. “I’m sorry, baby, it’s all because of me.”
“I should’ve expected it,” Kiya admitted. “But the best things in the world worth having, take the hardest work.”
“I feel the same way,” he agreed. “See you soon, I love you.”
Her heart melted at his words. “I love you too, bye.”
She sat for a minute flicking though TV channels only to find it was all about last night’s shooting and her relationship with Ian. She finally gave up and went to pack a bag. In between that task there was a knocking at her door and her heart leapt, thinking back to how the first shots were fired at Ian’s condo. The knock became a pounding noise.
“Kiya, open the damn door. It’s your brother and your parents,” Kevin’s voice came from behind the barrier.
She put her head against the door. “Can this day get any worse?”
She asked the question of herself before she opened the door and saw the very angry face of Kevin and the distraught looks on her parents’ faces. Her mother had streaks of gray in her hair—she wore it in a low cut with curls on the top and wisps of bangs that fell gently on her face. Her mother’s age was only told by the gray, because her face held very few wrinkles. Her father’s was the older version of Kevin and his eyes held as much anger as Kevin’s. His mouth was a stern line.
“I guess I should’ve come to see you,” she said in resignation.
“We went to the school first, thinking the reporters wouldn’t be there,” her mother said as they stepped in. “They’ve been to our house, and then we find out you resigned from your job.”
“Mrs. Wilder thought it best to get rid of me because of the news. God forbid she thinks about all I’ve done for the school or that I’m a good person,” Kiya said.
“Have you lost your damn mind?” her father roared. “I didn’t send you to school and give you a good upbringing to end up shacked up with some gangster.”
“Gee, Dad, I thought you loved me and wanted what makes me happy,” Kiya snapped her reply. “If I knew you wanted a drone, I’d have added that to my education.”
“Don’t be disrespectful, Kiya,” her mother admonished her.
“You should hear how she talked to me,” Kevin said.
“Oh bite me, Kevin. You want to be an ass and be judgmental, talk about the stripper you got pregnant and asked me not to tell about,” Kiya said, beyond caring. “I am sick and tired of people looking down on me because of Ian. He is a good man.”
“You want to act like you are some Chicago projects reject, then you go ahead,” her father snapped. “But don’t bring it to my house.”
“Yeah, because everyone in the projects is so bad and they don’t want the best for their families, and they don’t want to work hard to get it,” Kiya shot back, hurt. “Don’t worry Dad, I won’t bring it to your house. We don’t want your cronies in the white coats to think less of you. Or for your bridge club ladies to say your daughter is a ho, Mom. Oh and let’s not forget Kevin. Please distance yourself because of course you are the main cop at Chicago P.D. and you have a reputation to protect. Let’s just all forget that I am an intelligent woman and can distinguish bad from good and have done so all my life.”
“Kiya, you have to understand...this is so unlike you,” her mother said. “We just wonder what happened, you always played it safe.”
“Well, I am tired of playing it safe. I love Ian. Yes, you heard it right, I love him.” She pressed her hand against her chest. “Be happy for me or not, I don’t plan to be pushed into giving him up like some teenager who has a crush. I know my heart, I’m a grown woman and I know within myself I will not give him up. So do with that information what you must. I love you all but if you want me to choose your way of thinking or to leave him, then you don’t respect me enough as a woman or a part of this family.”
“I won’t accept him,” her father said stubbornly.
“That’s double for me,” Kevin said.
Her mother looked at her. “I hope you come to your senses before it’s too late.”
She looked at them sadly. “I hope the same for you all as well. You guys can go on home before it gets any later.”
She was looking at the disapproving faces of those she loved most. Her mother, whom she thought was the fairest woman ever, her father the man who was a giant in her eyes, and the brother she’d shared a womb with. She hugged each of them suddenly and with a swift kiss opened the door for them to leave. Kiya knew in that instant her life was irrevocably changed and Chicago held nothing for her. Here she and Ian would always live under public scrutiny and he would never be able to have peace.
She wondered about this all the way to Riley’s apartment. She was dressed in a thick coat with a hood, scarf and sunglasses when she left. Kiya took a cab to the apartment, hailing it from two blocks away after sneaking out the back of her building. At Riley’s house, the doorman gave her a key with a secret smile and told her enjoy the night.
“Great, now he
thinks I’m a fucking escort,” she muttered under her breath as she went up the elevator.
Riley’s apartment was nice and she could see some of the same nuances that were in Ian’s furnishings; they obviously used the same interior designer. Kiya moved to the bedroom, suddenly tired and envious of Riley soaking up the sun on an island while Chicago was steeped in cold and controversy. Kiya took a shower and went back to the living room. She tucked her feet under her and found a cartoon channel on the TV. It was better to watch cartoon animals try to outwit each other than to see herself on the news at a constant loop. She must’ve fallen asleep in between the shows because the next thing she knew Ian was shaking her gently.
“Hey baby.” He kissed her.
Kiya wrapped her arms around his neck silently and after a few seconds she began to sob. The dam she was holding onto all day broke while he held her in his arms. Ian shifted and she was sitting in his lap. He held her and crooned words to her that she didn’t understand. But he comforted her and let her cry herself out.
“Tell me about it.”
His gentle husky voice made her want to start weeping again. She took a deep breath and told him about the school, his father, and then finally her parents and brother. She told him about having to run from the reporters and the injustice of the doorman possibly thinking she was an escort. She felt his body shaking and she looked at him, outraged.
“You’re laughing?” she asked.
“At the doorman part,” he confessed. “Everything else was sucky and trust me, I will deal with my father for trying to buy you off then threatening you.”
“I don’t think you are going to ever get a fair shake in this damn city because of your last name,” Kiya said. “It makes me so damn mad, that people chose to judge us, how dare they? I bet they have big-ass glass houses and yet they chose to throw stones at us.”
“Then let’s leave it,” he said he cupped her face. “Let’s blow this fucking town and move to a place where it’s warm and we can be happy. You can teach and I can figure out what the hell I want to do. I’ve got enough money put away I can do pretty much anything. Let’s say fuck you to everyone who thinks they can control us or offer opinions on our lives and how we live it. There’s nothing holding us here. You can keep in contact with your family and if they choose to accept us, they do and if they don’t, then we still live our lives in love, and fuck who doesn’t want us together.”
Irish King Page 7
