by Faith Gibson
Speaking of Amelia, his daughter ran into the room, her pink tutu bouncing with each step. “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!” She launched herself at him, and he pretended to let her knock him backwards.
“Baby girl! Where did you learn that move?” he asked, holding her above his head, her feet wiggling precariously close to his junk.
“Matthew showed me!” She squealed when he pulled her to his chest and tickled her.
“Mommy, help!”
After another minute of wrestling, Frey helped Amelia to her feet. “All right, Little One. I have a class to teach.”
“Okay, Daddy. Love you.”
“Not as much as I love you.” Frey watched his two favorite girls walk hand-in-hand out of the classroom.
“Wow,” Elise whispered.
Frey ignored her and turned his attention to the other women. Women who took the class to learn self-defense, not try to find a date. Unsurprisingly, Presley was nowhere to be seen.
“Shall we begin?”
Chapter Thirteen
While Josie got ready for work, Malakai leaned against the bathroom doorframe, watching her put on her makeup. The night before, he tried to convince her to take one more day off, but she said she was ready to get the initial confrontation over with. He relented, but Kai insisted on driving her to the office. He offered to make breakfast, but Josie wanted to stop by the diner for her latte.
“I guess we need to get one of those fancy machines so I can make your lattes when you aren’t going to your father’s firm any longer.”
Josie held the mascara wand aloft while glancing at him in the mirror. “My own personal barista? I could get used to that.” She finished lengthening her lashes before applying a subtle shade of lipstick.
“Just think. In two more weeks, you won’t have to wear these boring clothes ever again,” he said, eying her business suit.
“Are you going to let me wear my sexy dresses at the training center?”
“That’d be a hell no.” Josie placed her hands on her ample hips, and Kai held up his palms in surrender. “Josie, my Sunshine, I would prefer if you didn’t wear your sexy dresses while we are at work. I will be taking money to properly train men, and if you are distracting me, they won’t get their money’s worth.”
Josie smiled and slid her arms around Kai’s waist. “Are we going to have shirts with the center’s name on them?”
“That’s the plan. I’ll be ordering T-shirts, but if you’d prefer polos or button-ups, we can get those too.”
“Nah. I think I’d like wearing a T-shirt every day. What are you going to name your gym?”
“It’s our gym, and I was thinking Team Palamo MMA. Since I never fought professionally, it’ll take a while to build our name and brand, but I’m good with that. You and I need time together outside building our business. I’ll eventually hire other trainers to give me a day off whenever I want some down time, but for now, it’ll be me on the floor and you in the office if you’re sure it’s something you’re interested in.”
“I like the idea of working with you every day. We’re building something that is ours. Speaking of, when do I get to see the building?”
“I thought when I pick you up from work, we could go out to dinner, and then I would take you to see it. How does that sound?”
“I’d like that.” Josie never would have envisioned herself working in a gym, but the prospect of getting to see her mate all day was exciting. Josie gathered her purse and briefcase and followed Kai to the garage. When he led her to Sixx’s fancy Bugatti Veyron, she cocked an eyebrow. “We’re going in this?”
“Yes. Sixx told me to drive it whenever I wanted, and today feels like a good day for sleek comfort over the rougher ride of the Jeep.” Josie was thrilled. Ever since Malakai showed her the vehicle, she’d secretly dreamed of riding in it. The engine purred instead of rumbled, but once they were on the open road, there was no doubt as to the power under the hood. The stereo system was top-notch, but she wouldn’t expect anything less from such an expensive ride. Kai already had a rock station on, and Josie sat back and let the heavy drums and fast guitar riffs pump her up. She giggled when she imagined the current song being her fight anthem. It was fitting that Josie felt a little “headstrong” with Kai at her side.
“I’m glad you’re feeling it, Sunshine. I wish I could watch your back all day today, but you’ve got this. And if either your father or Presley gives you shit, all you have to do is call me, and I’ll come take you out of there. You already said you have their upcoming cases ready, so if you need to walk away, do it.”
Josie still wasn’t used to Kai hearing her thoughts. Or her his.
“Thank you. And I’ll definitely take you up on that. I don’t usually take lunch, but can you pick me up at noon? I have a feeling I’ll need a break by then if not before.”
“Yes ma’am.” Kai raised her hand and kissed her knuckles. When they reached the diner, Malakai parked the Veyron out front in a spot that seemed to have been left open just for them. He came around the car and helped her out, ushering her to the door with a hand on her back. When they entered the small restaurant, Marley was talking to Dane Abbot. Dane stood when they approached
“Malakai, it’s good to see you.” The males shook hands, and when Dane noticed Josie, he sent a silent question to Kai.
Kai pulled her close to his side. “Dane, Marley, I’d like you to meet Josie Pierson, my mate.”
Dane fisted a hand over his chest and said, “On my honor.” Josie beamed. It felt good knowing these Gargoyles, even ones she’d never met, had her back.
Marley let out a small giggle, and Dane grinned at his own mate. “Something you would like to say, Sweetness?”
Marley took one of Josie’s hands. “Welcome to the family.”
Josie felt her cheeks pinken, but she smiled at the other woman. “Thank you.”
“Would you like to join me?” Dane asked.
“What do you say, Sunshine? Do you have time to sit for a few?”
“I’m taking the time. I’m going to need a triple shot to get through my morning.”
“Is everything okay?” Marley asked.
“It will be. Family drama.”
“I wouldn’t know anything about that,” Marley drawled, rolling her eyes.
Kai pulled out a chair for Josie, then sat between her and the police chief. Marley took their order, then rushed off to do her job. She returned quickly with Josie’s latte and Kai’s black coffee. The pretty waitress lingered as long as possible before flitting off again to take care of her other customers.
“I like her,” Josie told Dane.
“She’s a peach, and I can tell she feels the same about you. Kai, what do you say we plan supper for one night this week so our girls can compare notes?”
Josie squeezed Kai’s hand. “Please. Can we?” Josie asked through their link. She wanted to take full advantage of having new friends who she could talk openly with.
“That sounds like a great plan. Is Thursday good for you? We can grill out at our place.”
Dane smiled. “Your place, huh? Does that mean you’ve bought Sixx’s house?”
“Not yet. I’m leaving it up to Josie whether we do that or find something smaller.”
Before Josie could tell Kai she’d already made up her mind, Marley returned with their food. She ate quietly while the males discussed who was bringing what for their get together. Kai asked her opinion on steak or chicken, and Dane told Marley what they were discussing on one of her mini breaks.
After saying goodbye, Josie sat stiffly on the ride to the office. She had a new friend in Marley, and that should have been enough to quell her nerves. Even Kai’s silent support wasn’t helping. When he parked in her spot, Josie wished she hadn’t eaten. Her stomach roiled.
“Say the word and I’ll take you home right now.”
“Can we please buy Sixx’s house?” she blurted.
Kai released his seatbelt and angled his body toward her.
“If that’s what you want.”
“It is. I know it’s a big place, but I’d like to eventually fill the empty rooms with kids,” she admitted.
Kai’s smile was larger than Josie had ever seen, both dimples popping. “I’ll make the call this morning. Now, do you want me to take you home?”
Josie swallowed down the bile in her throat. “No. Another day will only make it worse.”
Kai stroked her cheek. “Remember, you hold all the power here. They’re desperate because they need you, not the other way around. They can either accept your resignation gracefully, or they can deal with their own shit without you. I’ll be at the gym, so if you need me, I’ll only be a few minutes away.”
“You’re right. I can do this.”
“Yes, you can.” Kai got out and came around the car to help Josie to her feet. “I’m walking you to the door. I’m going to kiss the shit out of you in front of the gods and everyone else. You’re going to go in there, kick ass, and take names. When I come back at noon, we are going to lunch to celebrate our new home.”
Kai carried Josie’s briefcase and didn’t hand it over until he gave her a toe-curling kiss where anyone watching could see them. He left her with a promise to see her in a few hours. Knowing he would be there within minutes if she needed him gave her the courage to step into the office with her head held high and her back straight.
“Joselynn, a word,” her father said before she’d made it four steps.
Josie set her briefcase on her desk, placed her purse in the cabinet, and continued holding herself poised as she stepped into her father’s office. Presley was there, sitting in one of the chairs across from Preston’s desk.
“Have a seat.” Josie sat next to her sister without looking at her. She didn’t have to see Presley’s face to feel the rage. “Your mother tells us you plan on giving notice.”
“That’s right. You have me for two more weeks unless you would like me to clear out my desk now, which I have no problem with.”
“May I ask what brought on your sudden need for departure?” Her father was leaning forward with his forearms on his desk. He had on his lawyer face. She had news for him; it wouldn’t work on her. Not any longer.
“I wouldn’t call it sudden. I’ve worked hard for eight years. Until yesterday, I have never taken a sick day. I have so much unused vacation accrued I’ve lost track of how many days it is. When I do go on vacation, I can’t relax because this one” — Josie thumbed over her shoulder at Presley — “won’t let me.”
Presley huffed. “This is—”
“I’m talking.” Josie cut her eyes at Presley.
“If you were so unhappy, why didn’t you say anything?” her father asked.
“It wouldn’t have done any good. I was happy working for you, but when you added Presley to my workload without a raise, it was supposed to be temporary. Temporary turned into permanent with double the work and quadruple the headache. I put up with it hoping you would see my value, but you never once told me ‘good job.’ Neither of you. That tells me you either don’t care about me, or I don’t actually do a good job. Since you both win your cases with the information I provide, I know that isn’t true.”
“This is because—”
“Not now, Presley,” their father growled, as close to yelling as Josie had ever heard. Presley gasped, and Josie’s mouth fell open. Never had he raised his voice to either of them as far as she knew. He didn’t have to, but Josie guessed everyone had a breaking point.
“Here’s what I propose. I will find a new paralegal to take over my portion of your work. You will be given a twenty percent increase in pay, and you will take four weeks of uninterrupted vacation per year, as your schedule permits.”
Josie laughed. Her father lowered his eyebrows, but she couldn’t help it. When she got herself under control, she said, “As wonderful as you believe your proposal to be, I’ll have to decline. Like I said, you have two weeks. I will not take on any further cases for Presley. If you have something you need done quickly, I’ll be more than willing to help you. That’s it.”
Presley jumped to her feet. “This is because of Malakai. You can’t handle being sloppy seconds, so you’re punishing me.”
“Sit down!” Preston yelled.
The door flew open, and Sterling stuck his head in. “What is going on in here? You do realize I have a client in my office, right?”
Preston ran a hand down his tie. “My apologies, Sterling. We’ll keep it down.”
Sterling closed the door, and Preston pointed at Presley. “If you cannot sit there and keep your mouth shut, I’ll remove you from the room.” Presley sank down onto the chair and crossed her arms.
“Josie, you have to admit your timing is suspect. You began seeing this man your sister broke things off with, and now you’re turning in your notice.”
Josie rolled her eyes. Her father narrowed his, but Josie didn’t let him berate her for acting childish. “Dad, there was nothing to break off. Presley wasn’t dating Kai; she was chasing after him. You both might find it hard to believe, but she isn’t his type; I am. He isn’t the reason I’m giving notice. I have the opportunity for something different, and I’m going after it.”
“You’ll never work at another law firm as long as I’m breathing,” Presley seethed.
The door opened, and Malakai strode into the room. “Let’s go, Sunshine.”
“Malakai… I was just—” Presley stood and reached for him, but Josie grabbed her sister’s arm.
“You touch him, and I will beat your ass eight ways to Sunday,” Josie whispered only loud enough for her sister to hear. Well, and Kai because he had shifter hearing. Which was no doubt the reason he was there to begin with.
“Presley, give us the room,” their dad said.
“But, Dad. I—”
Preston stood and slammed his hands on his desk. “Now, Presley.”
Kai took Josie’s hand and pressed it to his chest over his heart. “Please don’t be mad at me, but I couldn’t let you think there was anything between me and her.”
“I’m not mad. Not at you, anyway.”
Kai kissed Josie’s forehead, and she closed her eyes, relishing the comfort. Preston cleared his throat, and Kai wrapped his arm around Josie’s waist.
“I’d like to speak with my daughter alone, if you don’t mind,” Preston said to Kai.
Kai’s body tensed. “Sunshine? Your call.”
“I’ll be fine.” Josie winked at him to let him know she was serious in case he couldn’t tell through their bond.
“I’ll be right outside.” Kai touched her cheek before giving Preston a stern look.
As soon as Kai closed the door, her dad said, “I’m sorry, but this is the man you and your sister are fighting over? No offense, but he looks like a bum.”
“Wow, and I thought Presley was a snob. You know absolutely nothing about Kai, yet you stand there and judge him based on the way he’s dressed? Well, Dad, the joke’s on you. For your information, Malakai lives in a million-dollar house. He drives a Bugatti Veyron, and I would bet my entire portfolio his portfolio is more impressive than yours. Just because he chooses to wear jeans and flip-flops doesn’t mean he isn’t successful. It means he chooses to be his own person without giving a shit what someone like you thinks of him. Let me tell you something else. I would rather have someone with a good heart who dresses the way Kai does than someone who tries to prove to the world his worth with a thousand-dollar suit. You and Presley deserve each other. As for my notice? Consider it served.”
“Now wait just a minute, young lady. You can’t just walk out of here this way.”
“I can, and I will. If you had been a different kind of boss, a different type of father, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You let Presley walk all over me. You knew my caseload, yet you added to it by giving me double the work, knowing how difficult she is. Good luck finding someone to put up with her because I don’t have to. No longer will I subject mysel
f to eighty-hour weeks while Presley goes out partying every weekend. I deserve a life too, and I’m taking mine back. You won’t get to see this firsthand, but Kai is a good man. He’s my man, and I’m looking forward to building a life with him. Malakai and I will be opening a business soon, so you and Presley don’t have to worry about whether or not I go work for another firm. I won’t be seeing you for Sunday meals, at least not for a while. I need a break – a clean break – from you and Presley. Now, I’m going to grab the few personal items at my desk.”
“Joselynn, don’t do this. Your mother—”
“My mother will still see me, so I’m not worried about her.” Josie walked to the door, and with her hand on the knob, she said, “Goodbye, Preston.”
Chapter Fourteen
Kai was ready to choke Presley. She tried everything from a seductive smile to tears to anger to get him to talk to her. When she started her bullshit about being the better woman for him than Josie, he lost it.
“If you were the last woman on the planet, I still wouldn’t want you. Your sister is everything I could want in a wife.”
“W-wife?” Presley stammered. “You can’t be serious.”
“Serious as the black plague. Josie is gorgeous with all her curves. More than that, though, she is smart. She’s funny as hell. The best thing about her is her heart. Josie is kind, and she lights up every room she walks into, where you suck the light right out with your selfishness. You tried your best to snuff out her light with your darkness, but it didn’t work. Josie has me and my large family. She has our friends, and she still has your mother. What do you have, Presley? Sure, you have made a name for yourself in the courtroom, but does that keep you warm at night? Does being a manipulative witch really bring you happiness?”
“I don’t have to listen to this.” Presley walked into her office, and Kai took a breath, only to have the woman return for another jab. “Mark my words. You’ll get tired of her ridiculous rambling. She wants a dozen kids, and after the first few, she’s going to gain so much weight you won’t be able to roll her away from the table. Then her curves won’t look so good. A man like you won’t want someone like that on your arm. That light you’re so fond of will fade when you no longer find her cute.”