by Kay, Amanda
He got her in the trunk of his car fairly easy, he sped off towards where he knew Roy would want her taken. He couldn’t come to her till tonight, so the safe house was the only option.
Speeding in that direction, he put his phone on speaker and listened to Gloria’s voice mail. “Lukas, I’m scared.” Her voice drew him in instantly. What had scared her? His foot pressed harder on the gas pedal. Has he lost his focus. A light flashed on his dashboard catching his eye. The trunk had been popped, he watch in his mirrors and he saw her jump. “Shit!” he cursed. “Please be okay,” he silently said to himself as he rounded the corner to get out of the way and catch his breath.
Gloria needed him, so he was going to her.
Gloria
Her phone buzzed. ‘I’m on my way. Are you okay?’ She stared at the phone and sighed. How did she answer? Was she okay? No not really.
‘I’ve been better.’ She finally decided to answer somewhat honestly.
‘I’ll be there soon.’ She sighed at his text somewhat disappointed. She wasn’t sure if she wanted him there.
She heard the door fly open and hit the wall, “Doll?” he called. She was in her room deciding whether or not she wanted him to know where she was. “Gloria!” he hollered. She heard his panicked footsteps stomping down the hall.
She sighed, “In my room, Lukas,” she answered.
He rushed through the door and before she could blink he was on her bed and she was in his lap. “Doll...” He paused. “What happened?”
“Do you love me?” she asked on an exhale.
His eyes closed, “I...I can’t say I love you.” He finally answered honestly.
She removed herself from her lap and she began to pace. “Am I just a pawn?”
“Doll, look at me...” he demanded. She did as he demanded, turning to find him now standing as well. “Things are really complicated, and I can’t explain it right now. I can’t tell you I love you, but I care about you more than I’ve cared about anyone ever.” He took some steps towards her, but he didn’t reach for her.
“I got a phone call last night,” she whispered. He reached for her hands holding them in his. “At first I thought it was Raiden, but then I realized it wasn’t his voice. I don’t know who it was.” The tears hit her cheeks. His hands let go of hers and he wiped the tears from her face.
“Let me show you that you are special.” She nodded, and was in Kai’s arms being carried to her bed.
Kai
He lay her down on the bed and stared deep into her eyes. Love? Did he? He couldn’t completely say yes but she was special beyond special and he wanted to prove that. He moved his mouth close to hers, “You are special,” he whispered before pressing his lips to hers. His tongue played with the seam of her mouth and when it parted, he slipped his tongue inside. He moved slower than he ever had. She was breathing harder than she ever had when they had sex. He pulled his mouth from hers and stripped her clothes off.
“Wow,” she sighed as he removed his own clothes.
“The best is yet to come,” he promised closing his mouth over his again and slipping inside of her. He didn’t move his cock inside of her at first. He just continued the assault on her mouth.
She pushed against him causing him to break the kiss. “Lukas, move,” she pleaded and Kai felt like a slave to her demand. He began to move slowly inside of her. They didn’t kiss again. Instead, Kai just stared down as she slowly came apart under him.
“Wow.” They breathed together before laughing. He pulled out of her and tucked her close to him.
“You’re staying?” Kai knew she was surprised because he never stayed the night at her place if he wanted her all night she came to him.
“Tonight, I am.” He kissed her forehead, before closing his eyes. The day’s events were flying through his mind. Why a kidnapping? Why did he go along with it? Kai realized that maybe things weren’t what they seemed to be. He had no choice, he had to play the game still until the bitter end, but never again would Gloria be a pawn. She was his and she was going to soon realize that.
Gloria
She stirred to find herself still in the arms of Kai Lukas. “Mmm...” he moaned and she smiled.
“I need to get ready for work.” He nodded and released her.
“I’ll take you and then tonight you come to me. I’ll make sure you have a car.” She leaned down and kissed his lips briefly.
“Sounds amazing.” She smiled heading for the shower. She secretly hoped he would join her, but knew that wasn’t probably wasn’t a great idea. When she emerged from the shower he was no longer in her room but she heard noise coming from the kitchen.
“So are you a gourmet cook?” She chuckled.
“Fuck no! But I hold my own.” He laughed leaving the kitchen and moving towards her. She laughed as he moved towards her like a lion on the prowl. “Good morning, doll,” he said, gently kissing her cheek.
“Good morning, Lukas,” she answered, returning his cheek kiss.
Kai
They walked into the diner and Kai saw Bethany immediately. He knew Raiden would hear soon enough that he was still bringing Gloria to work, and strangely it didn’t bother him, let him know. He shifted his glance from Bethany back to Gloria. “Bye,” he said before softly kissing her lips. He found this new softness even more of a turn on than being hard and rough.
“Bye, Lukas. See you later?” She smiled at him.
He winked, “You know I’ll be waiting,” he responded before leaving her to her work.
As he exited the diner his phone rang. “Hi, dad,” he answered on a small groan.
“Where the fuck are you?!” he snapped.
“On my way home,” he answered.
“Where the hell did you stay last night?” he hollered.
“With a friend.” Kai was going to be honest but vague.
“Get your ass home now!” his father snapped before ending their call.
“Yes sir,” he muttered to himself. He drove towards the house, unsure of how many questions he would be able to handle from his father. Things were changing for Kai, even if only slowly.
Gloria
Gloria watched Bethany escape out the back door. She knew she saw her walk in with Kai and she questioned the things he had said to her last night. Maybe she was a pawn. As she got close to the door she heard.
“Kai’s bringing her to work still.” Was she talking with Raiden? Why did they care if Kai was bringing her to work? “For sure, Raiden. Got to get back to work.”
Gloria backed up from the door when Bethany answered the call. She was pissed she didn’t like being talked about. It was something that happened a lot before she left her mother and something that started not long after she moved into Aishan. She had dealt with it her whole life, but it didn’t get easier, luckily for her the bitch was easily found in these situations now.
“Talking to your boyfriend?” she questioned with a hiss.
“No, Raiden had a question.” Gloria was surprised at how easily Bethany answered that.
“He doesn’t love you,” she spat. Gee, where had she heard that? Everything from the last two nights flew at her. Kai admitted he didn’t love her, but said she was special. What did that really mean?
“I’m happy for him. I’m looking forward to being Tai’s Maid of Honor.” Gloria felt her eyes widen as Bethany slid past her. Did Kai know this? Would this change things?
‘Raiden and Tai are engaged.’ She typed to him. She waited only briefly for a reply before returning to work with hundred questions in her mind.
Kai
He looked at her text. ‘Raiden and Tai are engaged.’ Did this mean things were over? Somehow Kai didn’t think it would be that easy. He walked through the door to find his father waiting.
“Mind explaining what the hell is going on, son?” his father snapped.
“I failed. Raiden and Tai are engaged. I have no more moves.” Kai said trying to walk past his father.
“No! It’
s not over. They’re not married yet. Roy will know what to do.”
Kai shrugged, “Why are we doing this?” Kai asked. It was something he never fully questioned before.
His father grabbed his shoulders and shook him hard, “REDEMPTION!” He shouted in his face before releasing him.
“Yes sir,” he replied. “Call Roy. Whatever his plan is I’ll follow through.” Kai then turned to leave and his father let him.
“I’m sorry, doll. I love you.” He whispered in his room. He collapsed on the bed and the memories of that night his life was decided for him flooded back to him. Something that often happened when his father took that approach with him.
“Redemption. Redemption is key,” he whispered scrubbing his face with his hands.
Gloria
When she woke in his bed the next morning she kissed his cheek and began to dress. “Where are you going?” he groaned.
She eyed him curiously, “Home, Lukas it’s the morning.”
He shrugged, “Come out with me today.” It was more of a statement.
“Okay, but can I go home first?” she questioned.
He nodded climbing out of bed. Still naked, he crossed over to her. “Pick you up in an hour, doll.” She smiled and kissed his lips. When she pulled back there was a smile on his face she had never seen. Maybe there was hope for them after all.
About two hours later they were strolling through the park arm-in-arm. She was about to ask him about Raiden and everything going on between them when she noticed him staring at someone. She followed his gaze and saw Raiden and Tai. He pulled them in their direction and she hoped he wanted to offer congratulations.
“So, she agreed to marry you, punk ass.” Kai hissed. Gloria tugged on his hand, but got no reaction.
“Yeah, she did, you lose.” You lose? What did that mean? She tugged on Kai’s arm this time with both her hands and still nothing.
“We’ll see. My family will have redemption.” Gloria was confused by the encounter and completely lost when Tai spoke.
“It’s nice to see you again, Gloria.”
“Fine, thank you. Gloria replied not even aware Tai didn’t ask a question. She was too focused on Kai.
“What are you doing, man?” Raiden asked, his nodding in her direction. Gloria looked back and forth between Raiden and Kai waiting for the answer.
“Mind your own fucking business, Wyrick.” Kai snapped and that was it. She was done, this encounter was over.
“Kai, let’s go.” It came out in a whine but she needed his attention and she was on the edge of tears from the encounter. Kai’s focus finally shifted back to her and he pulled her away from Tai and Raiden.
Once they were alone, Kai spoke, “Sorry, he gets on my nerves.” He wasn’t looking at her so she stopped walking forcing him to stop abruptly. “Damn, doll.” He muttered.
“We approached them, Lukas,” she reminded him.
“The point?” he fired back.
“The point is, we could’ve minded our own business.”
“No chance,” he spat.
“Why not? What’s really going on between you and Raiden?”
“No questions,” he hissed.
She pulled away from him. “Go fuck yourself, Lukas!” she fired at him, walking away grateful she wouldn’t have a far to walk home.
Kai
He let her walk away. He didn’t have a choice. He raced to his car and followed her though, pulling alongside of her when he finally got the nerve. “Doll, get in,” he demanded gently.
“Go away,” she said, not looking his way.
“Come on, Gloria,” he begged.
“Fine.” She huffed. He stopped the car and she climbed in. “So...” she pressed.
“Look, things are complicated,” he resigned.
She crossed her arms, “I don’t want to be a pawn, Lukas.”
He took her hand, “You aren’t, doll, I promise.” She just nodded. He said no more instead drove her home. “Talk to you, later?” he said in a pleading tone.
“Yeah, okay, Lukas.” She smiled kissing his cheek before climbing out of his car.
A Few Weeks Later
Gloria
Her phone was ringing, luckily she had a minute to answer it. The diner had been crazy busy today and she was ready to head to Kai’s. “Hello, Lukas,” she answered.
“Hey, doll.” His tone was serious. Was everything okay? Was he canceling their evening?
“Everything okay?” she questioned.
“Yeah, a meeting just came up. Can you come over at midnight instead?” He sounded flustered and annoyed by this turn of events, but she was relieved he still wanted her to come.
“Sure. No problem, Lukas,” she chirped.
“Great. I got to go,” he replied.
“Of course, me too.” With that he hung up. She stared at the phone wondering if she’d ever get answers from him. He was sweet at times, but other times he was an ass. She wasn’t much better though, she put her phone back in her pocket and returned to work.
Kai
Kai was tapping his foot, Roy was an hour late. If he didn’t get here soon then Gloria was going to be at risk. “Evening Lukas clan.” Kai turned Roy’s way
“You’re late,” he snapped.
“Whoa, watch it there, son. One would think you had a date or something.” The look Roy gave Kai sent an uneasy flood of emotions through him. Did he know about Gloria?
“Maybe I do,” Kai snapped back.
“Well, when you see this you’ll want to cancel it.” He said handing over the document in his hand. Kai’s father reached for it first.
“Oh Roy, this is brilliant.” Kai shifted his gaze between the two men.
“He promised her she wouldn’t have to change. Tom let that slip.” Roy said amused. Kai took the paper but didn’t look at it.
“Are we done?” he asked forcefully.
“Aren’t you going to read it, son?” his father asked.
“Later. I have an appointment,” Kai said dismissing himself with the document in hand. Was he curious? Sure he was, but she would be there in less than an hour and that was all he could see right then.
Gloria
The room was dark as she climbed into the window. “Lukas?” she whispered.
“I’m right here, doll.” His voice came from the foot of the bed.
“What’s with the darkness?” She chuckled crawling on the bed towards him.
“It helps me think,” he answered, turning to her and placing a long hot kiss on her mouth
“Wow. Happy to see me?” she asked when he broke the kiss.
“Hell yeah! Let me show you how much,” He spoke pulling her shirt over her head.
Gloria let him lead. He was strong, but gentle. It was like their love making had become full circle. It was still hard, but now gentle, passionate. It wasn’t just sex anymore, of this she was sure. When he finished he pulled her close and Gloria decided to play her hand, hoping the freedom from the darkness would be found in Kai Lukas.
“I love you,” she spoke. He tensed up and said nothing instead he just kissed her forehead. Gloria cried silent tears.
Kai
“I love you.” That’s what she had said. Kai heard her and tensed up. Things were still so complicated. Did he love her? Yes, no, maybe. Everything in his world was so messed up. She didn’t even truly know who he was. How could she love him?
Kai went to the desk where he had dropped the document from Roy. He couldn’t sleep so he might as well read it now while she slept. He turned on a small light he could use to see the words without disturbing her. ‘If the leading family’s heir chooses to be with a human that human must make the ultimate sacrifice. Become a vampire.’ Kai stared at the words. “Wow,” he whispered.
Kai snuck out of the room and quietly shut the door before heading to his father’s office. “I’ll present this to Raiden tomorrow,” he said as tried to quickly leave.
“Hold it, son.” Kai paused and fac
ed his father again. “What the hell was that tonight?”
“It doesn’t matter. Roy gave us what we needed. I know Raiden, he’ll hate this.” Kai tried to leave again.
“Son, are you seeing someone?” he asked.
“No.” Kai swallowed.
“Don’t lie to me, boy.”
“What if I am? I’m twenty-eight. I’ve been playing your game long enough I wanted a little fun.” Kai hoped that would work.
“Is she human?” Kai swallowed.
“Goodnight.” Kai answered before rushing back to his room. He locked the door and stared at her still on the bed. She was still asleep, platinum blonde hair cascading over her face. Kai smiled at the site, but didn’t climb back in bed. Instead he went back to his desk and studied the document again, keeping watch as well.
Gloria
When she woke he wasn’t in bed. There was a small light coming from his desk and he was sitting stock still his face in his hands. “Leave.” He muttered quietly.
“Huh?” She questioned.
“Get your shit and get out, dammit!” he hissed, Gloria felt lost. She slowly got off the bed and began dressing keeping her eyes locked on him. “Don’t know what you’re thinking. Really don’t fucking care either, but I asked you to leave and I suggest you do it now!” She flinched at his tone.
She turned towards the window. “I thought Raiden was a jackass.” She spat before leaving. She rushed to the car he was letting her drive but decided not to get in. She raced to the street and flagged a cab down crying as she gave him her address.
Kai
“Fuck!” He screamed throwing his fist through the wall. He hated that he had to do that, but he couldn’t risk her being caught, and the document brought things to new light to the redemption he had been seeking since he was twenty-one.
He got dressed and slipped out the window not wanting to deal with his father this morning. A string of curses left his mouth when he spotted his spare car.
When he arrived at Raiden’s house he smiled. This was it the final game. “Redemption, Kai,” He whispered as he approached the door and knocked.