by BLMorticia
“Oh really? This must only be in private because I’ve seen no evidence of what you’re saying.”
“Other than me being on him, what else have you seen?”
“Did you just hear me say he won’t give me any time alone with you?”
“We don’t get much when I’m practicing or performing…”
“Which is why you guys should just chill. Put the thing on ice until after November. He’s contract is out then.”
Kao leaned back in his chair, turning away from Lawrence. “And here I thought you might be happy for me.”
“I am, Kao. Despite not being a big fan of his, I’m glad he makes you happy, but I’m saying, think about your career. You don’t get many shots to be number one on the charts and stay there. Take advantage of it while you can.”
Kao sighed aloud and crossed his arms. “Okay, I’ll calm down on the open displays of affection, in front of you guys, and maybe… separate rooms, but that’s it. It’ll probably make him happy too because he’s concerned that his boss will find out.”
“As he should be. So many times, I’ve wanted to call that Arturo dude and tell him to send someone else, but I know how attached you are to him and vice-versa. Actually, it would be even better if you got him to quit this assignment and send a replacement.”
Kao spun around in the chair. He stared daggers at Lawrence. “What? No, no, I don’t wanna get used to someone else.”
“But eventually you’ll have to because I’m not rehiring him after this tour.”
“Fine, because he’s my man and we’ll be together. And besides that, I might not need a bodyguard.”
“Oh, no. This episode has taught me that you can’t be without one. Too many crazies in this world. Ever since I took that phone from you, it continues to ring. I finally had to shut the damn ringer off.”
“That’s just my phone, but do you really think I’ll have issues once these idiots are caught?”
“I don’t know, but I won’t take any chances. If I’d been smarter about hiring someone in the first place, the first attack wouldn’t have occurred.”
“You can’t blame yourself for that, okay? Like you said, people are crazy. We don’t know if these instances and the calls are connected.”
“No, but one thing we are sure of is, someone doesn’t like that you left SK4.”
Kao nodded, and leaned back in the chair. “That’s true, but I’ll be damned if they make me miserable for it. Regardless of what they say or do, I don’t regret that decision for a second, which is why, you need to remember that I refuse to go back to that life.”
“I’m not forcing you to that, but like Brody was saying, just lay low.”
“I will. With him.” Kao smiled and turned back around in his chair. “No better way to keep out of sight than with the man you’re falling for.”
“Do you love him?”
“Nah, I can’t say that, but I’m falling fast, and I really hope he feels the same.”
Chapter Eighteen
Brody had never been to Europe.
Admittedly, this trip reminded him how he needed to get out of his normal view and see the world. Even better that it wasn’t on his dollar. He’d always wanted to, but truthfully, he thought he didn’t make enough money to go overseas.
London was great, but Paris was gorgeous.
On the day before the concert, Kao wore a dress with heels to go to the Louvre and well as the Eiffel tower. With only four days in the country, Kao figured it better to see both.
“I never thought I’d get here.” Brody snapped a picture of the Eiffel Tower as they waited in line.
“You never tried, did you?” Kao asked him.
“Truthfully, no. Let’s just say it wasn’t high on the bucket list.”
“I don’t see why not. It is Paris.” Kao pulled out his camera and aimed at the structure.
“It’s for couples.”
“Not always. I see plenty of families and single people here, too. You’re just making excuses.” Kao snickered.
“Well, I am a simpleton. I’ll admit, I don’t get out much. Since I don’t really like flying, taking trips to places I couldn’t drive to haven’t been a priority.”
“I get it, but there are other ways to get to Europe. Boat…”
“Nah, I’ll get cabin fever. I don’t like closed in spaces.”
“Oh God, Brody. Do you like anything?”
“Sure. Food, baseball, music…”
Kao cut him off. “Speaking of which, we never talked about each other’s music. Did you watch the KPOP videos I gave you?”
“I did. And while they’re all very talented, none of them are as good as you are.”
“Aww, but you’re biased. Is that including BTS?”
“I’m trying to remember which ones they were. You gave me like ten.”
“No, I didn’t. I gave you five. A couple were girl bands.”
Brody tried to remember but shrugged. “I might need a refresher.”
“Ugh. You’re horrible. Well, I held up my end up the bargain by listening to some Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.”
“And?”
“I liked some of it.”
“See?” Brody pulled Kao in and kissed him on the head. “So, you’ll be perfectly okay when I blast Smoke on the Water or Kashmir in the car?”
“Um, you might be reaching there. Perhaps when we’re at home, which is another thing I wanted to talk with you about.”
“What?”
Kao pulled away from Brody and wrapped his arms around his waist. “I want you to move in with me. That way, if you don’t quit, we’ll always be able to come home to each other.”
“Kao.”
“What? Brody, please don’t tell me you’re giving me flack about this too. I’ve done… what was asked of me, by…” Kao leaned in close. “Keeping everything quiet, but.” He exhaled and dropped his gaze. He looked back at Brody. “It’ll be easier for us to date then, right?”
“Yes, but, Kao, can we not talk about this now?”
“If not now, when? I’m asking you to move in, not marry me… yet.” Kao smiled.
Well thank God for that.
Brody thought of Kao’s proposition. He wanted them to make the commitment when Brody wasn’t sure what he’d be doing career wise. Yes, he’d thought about leaving Mack Securities, but what would he do after that? He didn’t have a lot of skills, other than sleuthing. What position could he do that wouldn’t involve being out in the field?
The line moved only a few feet. They stopped again and Brody turned to Kao. “Babe, I want that very much, but think of what you’ve asked me. You want me to quit, then move in.”
“Yeah, and I don’t see the problem. Besides, I can support both of us.”
“That doesn’t matter. I want us to support each other. If I quit my job, I won’t be able to do that.”
“Then find another to pass the time.”
Brody wished he could scream. Kao was really spoiled but not enough to deter Brody from falling in love with him. Still, he had to put a halt to this before things got out of hand. “Honey, it’s not that simple. Policing and securing is all I know how to do.”
“Oh, I’m sure that’s not true.” Kao placed both hands on Brody shoulders. “With your smarts and intellect, I know you could be an asset to someone else.”
“While that’s true, I’m in a great position at my current company. Look, babe. We’ve got plenty of time to make these decisions, okay?”
Kao lowered his head. “Yes, but I wanna know now.”
“Why? Are you planning on leaving me if I don’t?”
“Of course not.”
“So, what’s the rush?”
“I just want to make plans. Just like I said the other day, I’m still learning about relationships, but I also don’t want to mess up our good thing.”
Brody wanted to tell him that his constant questions were doing more harm than good. “I understand, babe, but again, we’ve got
time. You’ve got bigger things on your mind. Focus on those.”
Kao looked away, wearing a distant expression. “God, you… You act as if this isn’t important.”
“I know it is, but I’m not ready to make those decisions. Let’s finish out everything then see where we land. It’s mid-September, Kane.”
“Fine. You gotta see how hard this is for me and should be for you. As much time as we wasted pussyfooting around with our feelings and now, we don’t share the room anymore, I can’t kiss you in public. Hell, you don’t even ride in the back seat with me.”
“Only to protect us, love. And besides, no one said you couldn’t kiss me now.” Brody grinned.
Kao’s lips lifted into a smile. “You won’t have a conniption?”
“Why would I? We’re in the city of love, aren’t we?” Brody lifted Kao into his arms and covered Kao’s lips with his.
“Yes, we are. Just don’t forget what I asked, okay?” Kao returned the embrace, wrapping both arms around Brody’s neck.
Brody didn’t respond. He took pleasure in the lip-lock, enjoying the taste of coffee and pastry on Kao’s tongue.
Despite Kao’s constant pressure, Brody refused to think about what would happen after the assignment was up. While he was happy that Kao wanted more, he had to somewhat keep his distance.
Falling in too deep would be a detriment to both.
* * * *
Days passed on the tour. With Paris behind them, they were on their way to Italy, Kao’s favorite place in Europe. There were more promotions planned, including a special photo shoot with Italian Vogue. Although that was scheduled last minute, Kao wouldn’t dare turn that down. How many music stars got their shot at being in Vogue? Not a lot, which was why Kao had to take advantage.
Despite things going swimmingly with his solo career, his relationship with Brody had begun showing cracks. He still hadn’t decided to quit his job or move in with Kao. In fact, it seemed Brody did everything to avoid the conversations. Kao wondered if Brody wasn’t into him as first thought.
Could Brody only be interested in the free ride instead of something long lasting? Because Kao was falling harder by the day, he had to find out for sure.
Last thing he wanted was to waste his time giving his all when the other person wasn’t doing the same.
“How is Italy, Kao?”
Kao was only half listening to his mother. She’d called while he pondered what to say to Brody once he returned from his meeting with venue security. “It’s Good, Momma. It’s warm, bustling with tourists.” Kao said, unenthusiastically.
“Sounds wonderful. Will you have time to do any sightseeing?”
“Yeah. I’m staying here a week. After this, I’m heading to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, then on to Seoul.”
“Well, no wonder you won’t be back in the States until mid-October. How Is Mr. Brody?”
“Fine.” Kao left it at that. He didn’t want to get into any specifics with her. At least not now.
“Are you sure, honey?”
“Yes. We’ve both been busy, so that hasn’t left much time for us to be together.” That bit was true. Between practices, meetings with Gaia and Lawrence, promotions, and Brody’s own conferences, the only time they had was at night. The sex was still amazing, but every time Kao wanted to bring up the future, Brody would dismiss it and say they should rest. Seemingly Brody had no interest in what they’d be doing beyond this tour.
“Kao?”
Kao’s mom’s voice woke him from the daze. “Sorry. Momma. I’ve got a lot on my mind. Can I call you back later?”
“All right. Just make sure you do. I’d love to talk about the pictures you’ve sent and remind you to go see your family when you get to Seoul.”
“Don’t worry I will.” Kao said quickly. Honestly, he wondered if his mother knew about the police checking into his cousin’s background. Brody hadn’t filled Kao in and he hadn’t asked. Perhaps they hadn’t found anything.
“Okay. I love you son, and please be careful. Stick with Mr. Brody.”
“I love you too and I will. Yes, ma’am. Bye.” Kao pressed the disconnect button. He put his phone on the bed and walked out of his room to the wet bar. Other than a couple of glasses of wine here and there, he hadn’t drunk much. With so much on his mind, Kao felt it appropriate to have one now.
“One drink.” Kao picked up a glass, then fished through the small bottles inside. He grabbed the Jack Daniels and a can of coke. While a part of him was grateful that only the mini bottles were available, the other wished it was bigger. No concert for two days gave him freedom to relax.
Once he mixed his drink, he took a seat by the window. He sipped and sighed aloud, feeling the pleasant burn in his chest.
Kao thought of the intense nights he and Brody had shared. How Kao filled Brody to the hilt, making the man cry out his name. They’d switched a couple of times, but Brody liked to be fucked above all. Kao had never been with someone so responsive to what he was doing.
After their final cries, the kisses lingered, and they held each other. Everything felt natural, loving. Why wouldn’t Brody want to build on those emotions? It was disheartening to say the least.
When Kao should’ve been happy, he was bruised. Why had he fallen for Brody so quickly? Lawrence had warned him about getting too caught up, but Kao didn’t listen. Now he was feeling raw, exposed, and unfulfilled.
Would bringing up the conversation again cause a bigger rift in their relationship? Although Kao feared the consequences, he couldn’t wait any longer. No matter how badly it might hurt, he had to push Brody to give him an answer.
* * * *
Brody walked off the elevator feeling uneasy.
After meeting with security, Brody received an envelope at the venue with pictures of them in Paris. A note was attached threatening both of their lives. Hard to believe when he’d been extra careful with where they went. Brody had to find out who the hell was tracking them and how.
Everything pointed to Lawrence or Gaia. Other than Kao and himself, who else would’ve known where Kao went?
Brody had to contact the guys at LAPD to see if they’d found out anything or if they’d talked with the Seoul authorities. Someone had been laying low, looking for the right opportunity to strike.
Brody had the feeling that time was coming soon.
Instead of telling Kao about the envelope, Brody felt it best not to. He had other things to worry about and any undue stress about someone following him wouldn’t do any good.
Once Brody stepped off the elevator, he turned the corner to get to Kao’s suite. He greeted the guard on duty, telling him to stick around the hotel. After he filled him in, he used his key to unlock Kao’s door.
“Kao? It’s me.” He knocked, then pushed the door open. When Brody walked in, he spotted Kao sitting on the sofa with a couple of glasses in front of him.
Damn.
Although the empty glasses gave Brody pause, he wouldn’t complain about Kao having a drink to relax. “I see you found the wet bar.”
“Yep. I’ve got a lot on my mind. Needed something to relax.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” Brody sat next to him and leaned in for a kiss.
Kao moved back and picked up his glass, taking another sip.
“Ouch. What’s bothering you baby?”
“Just the usual. Worried about the rest of the tour, when the boogeyman is coming to get me, and if my boyfriend really cares about our future together.”
Brody exhaled and fell back against the couch cushions. “Kao.”
“No. Don’t Kao me, all right? I wanna know why we can’t talk without you dismissing me.” Kao snapped.
“I only said we should hold off until after my assignment. What’s wrong with that?”
“What’s wrong is you’re leaving me hanging. I wanna be sure I can count on you, Brody. Not as my bodyguard but as my man.”
“You can, but your man needs to stay focused on protecting you. Kao, list
en…” Brody didn’t want to bring up this latest threat, but perhaps if he did it would give things more context. “Now is not the time to make those decisions. We’ve got people following your every move.”
“Stop using that as an excuse, okay? Nothing has happened since we left the States.”
“Not true. Someone left an envelope at the venue. I didn’t want to tell you, but you’ve gotta understand why I need to keep my head and not worry about your demands.”
“Why can’t you do both?”
“Because if I do, I won’t be able to do my job effectively. This is a serious deal, Kao. I thought you realized that?”
“I do, but…” Kao got up from the seat and walked in the opposite direction. “I just feel as though you don’t care about my feelings. Why are you letting your job get in the way of our relationship?”
Brody rubbed his temples. “You already know the answer. As much as I wanted you, sleeping with you was a really bad idea. I shouldn’t have allowed you to tempt me.”
“Dammit Brody, we’re both adults. Why is it you can’t just say, Kao I love you or I’m falling in love with you and yes I’ll move in? What’s so wrong with that?”
“Because I’m not ready to make that commitment!” Brody barked. He looked up at Kao for his reaction. Surely that stung, but Brody couldn’t keep in the truth.
Kao froze. His eyes widening. “Why…”
“Look, I… I do care for you, immensely, but I want to slow things down. Why can’t you understand that nothing good comes from rushing things? You want me to commit when we barely had the chance to date. Why add that pressure to the situation when it isn’t needed?”
Kao crossed his arms but didn’t move. He lowered his head. “So, you don’t want anything with me?”
“Kao, I do, but, I’ve got a job to do. That means our relationship has to go on the backburner. When this is all over and these fools are caught, we can date the right way. Don’t get me wrong, I am falling for you. Hard. But we’re going too fast. It’s only been a couple of months. Why are we making life changing decisions so soon in the game, babe?”
“Because I’m falling in love with you, but…” Kao dropped his gaze again and held himself. “Maybe we need to take time out from each other. You do your job and I’ll do mine.”