by Mia Michelle
“Hey, are you alright, Kylie?” he says as he rubs my arms to warm me. “You’re freezing. Here.” Placing his jacket around me, he pulls me in close.
“Can we please leave?” I beg as I try to hide my panic. I’ve got to get out of here. I won’t let them see me cry.
“It will be my pleasure. I want to get the hell out of here myself.”
Evan guides me through the front and out to the car. As he opens my door to let me in, I glance up to see Nik staring down at me from the patio. Calvin Klein girl is no longer with him. He’s all alone. Even from all the way down here, his heated eyes make my knees buckle. Amazing how he has the power to do that to me when no one else ever has.
Evil thoughts swirl dangerously in my head. I want him to feel the pain he’s caused me. I want to prove to him that he doesn’t affect me. Swinging around, I surprise Evan by placing a gentle kiss on his lips. In return, he grabs my waist and pulls me in to deepen the kiss. I know I’m misleading Evan, but I will do whatever it takes to make sure Nik gets a show. Evan smiles at me when we break for air, but my eyes divert upwards to see if he’s still there. He’s gone. For all I know, he’s been only a figment of my imagination.
Evan doesn’t say a lot on the drive back home, which relieves me. I should never have kissed him at the party. Living so close to him is awkward enough without encouraging him to think I have feelings that I don’t. We’re going to have to talk about this. There’s no doubt about that.
When Evan pulls into our complex, I begin squirming. He shuts the engine off, gets out, and comes to open my door. Reaching for the handle, I beat him to it. The smile on his face fades as my actions confuse him. Fuck, why did I kiss him?
“I’m sorry you didn’t have a good time, Kylie. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy spending time with you.”
I’ve got to do damage control! Now!
“Look, Evan, I shouldn’t have kissed you back there. I was upset over seeing Nik, and I just wasn’t thinking.”
“I know you’re still into Nik, but that doesn’t mean we can’t explore this. I’m not asking for anything serious, Kylie.” He comes closer and tucks my hair behind my ear.
SHIT! “Evan, I’m not-”
I’m cut off by him slamming his lips to mine. Even though part of me is screaming for me to pull him up to my room and have my way with him, the other part of me knows this isn’t right.
Pushing him back with my hand, I step away. “Evan, I can’t. We work together, and I just am not ready for this. I’m sorry if I mislead you with that kiss earlier, but this can’t happen again.”
“One day, you’ll be ready. Once that loser gets out of your head, that is.” His words are true, but they still piss me off. Maybe Nik isn’t my favorite person, but I didn’t like the way Evan called him a loser.
“Thank you for bringing me home, Evan.”
“No, wait! I’ll walk you up.”
“I’m good, but thanks. I’ll see you at work on Monday.”
Conflicted, he runs his hands through his hair and turns towards his place. Digging out my keys, I rush to my apartment and close the door behind me, throwing my head against the wood in frustration.
Kylie Reynolds, you sure know how to fuck things up for yourself even more!
NIKOLAS
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her standing out on that patio. Kylie’s the very last person I thought I’d see when I stopped by here tonight. All this time, I’d thought of what I’d say to her if I got to see her again. I’d rehearsed a speech in my head over and over, but when it came time to speak, the words didn’t sound right.
At first, I thought she’d been some sort of mirage because, let’s face it, I think about her all the damn time. But when I realized it really was her, I couldn’t stop staring. She is so goddamn gorgeous. Seeing her in that short, tight red dress about sent me over the edge. I wanted to bend her over against that patio rail and take her. God knows my cock aches for that with her. Since we’ve broken up, I’ve jacked off more nights to her memory than I’d ever care to admit. No matter how many times, though, nothing satisfies me.
I almost had her. I saw the vulnerable, raw pain in her eyes. She can deny it if she wants, but she still loves me. Of all fucking times for Ashley to walk in, she picks then to do it. Trust me, she’s nothing more than eye candy for the arm. Ashley would be an easy fuck, there’s no doubt about it. The thing is, my dick only works for one girl. Kylie Reynolds.
I watched her leave the party with that fucking prick, Evan Pierce. I’d even seen the little show she put on for me when she kissed him. Regardless of whether or not it was done to make me jealous, it still fucking hurt like hell to watch. In the end, I couldn’t watch anymore of it. I’d made my excuses to Jeffery and then dropped Ashley off at some party she wanted to go to. Typically, I’d tag along just for show, but not tonight. My head’s just racing too much and I certainly wouldn’t be good company for anyone.
“Yo, asshole, what happened? You were supposed to be back today. I had to put off that meeting again with the investors.”
“Yeah, it looks like I’ll be in LA for a few more days.”
“This little extended visit wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with a certain female, would it?”
“Tony, don’t make me fire your ass. My staying has absolutely nothing to do with her. You know I’m here as a favor to Max. We’ve got a lot to do to get ready for his opening. He’s had some major problems getting some of the city permits approved. He’s asked me to help him get it all straightened out.”
“Well, be sure to tell Kylie I said hello when you see her.”
“Fuck you! You’re fired!”
Tossing my phone on the car seat beside me, I speed towards downtown. If I’m going to straighten this mess out in time for the opening to happen, I’ve got to get a move on. Kathryn Overton is waiting and she’s definitely not a patient woman. Actually, she’s probably one of the biggest bitches I know, but that’s exactly why I’m meeting with her. She’s one of the investors in Max’s project and he’s terrified of her. I’m hoping she can use her bitchiness and influence to pull some strings in order to get the permits we need.
Leaning against the doorway, I smile as I listen to a very persistent, determined Kathryn tear into someone on the other end of the line.
“You heard me. I expect those to be in his hands by the end of the day. Oh really, is that so? Need I remind you of who my father is? I thought not. Yes, I will pass the information along.” She hangs the phone up and winks.
“Permits will be personally delivered to Max by the end of the day,” she says smiling. I had no doubt she’d make it happen.
“Thank you, Kathryn. I appreciate you meeting up with me. I know Max will be relieved to have all of this settled.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Thorne. I don’t like people messing around with my investments. Those lazy bastards at the City Hall need to get their heads out of their ass and get shit done. I merely gave them an incentive.”
By incentive, she means threatening to have her father, a billionaire businessman, fire their asses on the spot.
“So… any thoughts to our last conversation?”
“Kathryn, I’m very flattered, really, but I’m not interested in signing up for that. I’m sorry.”
“Hmm. Such a shame. We could really have some fun.”
Fun? I think not. Long before I met Kylie, she’d tried to convince me to sign on as her submissive. As much as I adore role-play and getting kinky, the idea of being her bitch boy was a complete turn off for me. Don’t get me wrong. Kylie and I loved swapping up being Dominant and Submissive, but in the end, I always need the control. No way I’d give that up, even for a woman as fucking hot and powerful as Kathryn Overton.
We wait by the curb as her driver pulls up for her.
“Again, Kathryn, it’s been a pleasure.” I lean to give her a casual hug, but she moves in and slams her lips to mine. Her hand slips between us and up
her skirt. She pulls away and slides her finger into my mouth, giving me a taste of her pussy.
“Something for you to think about.” She winks before getting into her car.
No one will ever taste as good as Kylie. Shaking my head, I close Kathryn’s door and wave her off. As if my timing could get any worse, Kylie waits on the corner, staring straight at me. She’s wearing running shorts, and holding onto a pole to keep herself upright. She saw the whole fucking thing. How is it that, as big as LA is, I’ve managed to run into her twice in less than twelve hours?
“Kylie, wait!” I shout, but she turns and runs in the other direction.
I don’t let it stop me. This damn woman is going to listen to me if it is the last goddamn thing I do. Pushing past people on the sidewalk, I begin closing in on her. She panics and ducks through a side alley, only to find it gated at the end. There’s no way out except the way she’d come in. The stupid girl is so desperate, she begins climbing the chained fence behind her.
“Kylie, stop it!”
“No! Get away from me, Nik!” she shouts, kicking her foot back at me to keep me away. I don’t let it stop me. Grabbing her leg mid-kick, I pull her back. She lets out a loud scream as she falls and I catch her in my arms. There aren’t words to describe how good it feels to hold her. I would move heaven and earth to keep her here and never let her go.
“Let me go, Nik!” she screams while kicking and punching me. My ferocious girl lands a few good hard blows, but for the most part, it’s pretty comical to watch.
Chuckling to myself, I dodge a few more blows to the face and sit her down. With one swift move, I have her pinned against the brick wall behind her.
“No, Kylie! This time you are going to listen to me!” I demand as I grab her arms and push them over her head. Pressing my weight against her, I can’t hide how hard my cock grows in my pants. Slowly, I move my hips, grinding my throbbing dick into her tight spandex shorts.
“Feel that? You have no damn idea how much I want you, how much I need you. We belong together, Kylie. Admit it. I know you still love me,” I whisper against her lips. No longer can I restrain myself. Forcefully, I slam my lips against hers. For a few seconds, I feel her melt into my arms. Each glide of our tongues brings me back to the time she was mine. At this moment, I’m so lost in her. And then, without warning, a fierce pain radiates from my side, paralyzing me and dropping my ass to the ground. The horrific burning sensation won’t stop. The pain is so intense that I can’t speak. Blinking hard, I make out her figure standing over me, Taser in hand.
“How dare you fucking put your lips on mine after you tasted her cunt? You’re such a fucking asshole, Nikolas Thorne!” She screams as she frantically wipes her mouth with her hand. Turning back to face me, I see the anger and hurt in her eyes. “Have you not destroyed me enough? I don’t love you. I never did! I hate you! No one can ever love you! It’s why everyone always leaves you. You’re destined to be alone,” she screams through her tears. The hate in her words is unbearable. I struggle to take a deep breath, but I can’t. Everything is fading out.
“K-ylie, I—” and then darkness.
“Why won’t he wake up? I didn’t mean to hurt him! Nik!” I hear her concerned voice in the background.
“Did this man attack you, Miss?” a male voice asks.
“What? No! It isn’t like that at all!”
“Then why did you use the Taser on him, ma’am?”
“He wouldn’t let me go.”
“Very well, once the paramedics finish checking him over, we’ll take him to the station. You can make your statement there if you wish to press charges.”
“No, I… I don’t want to press charges. Officer, this has all been a big misunderstanding. He and I used to be together. I just didn’t want to speak to him.”
“So, this is a domestic issue?”
“Oh God, no! We were just having a disagreement.”
“Kylie?” I manage to get out. When I squint up at her, I see worry and panic in her dark eyes.
“Nik? I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean for that to happen.”
“Well, now you know the Taser works. Fuck! What the hell do you have it set on?”
“The instructor told me that it would give me a running start if someone were to attack me. I didn’t know it would do all of that.”
“Next time you’re going to use that thing, warn me, all right?”
“Nik!” She frowns.
“He’s all clear, Officer. He’ll just have a slight burn and bruise on his ribcage where the Taser made contact against the skin, but he’ll be fine.”
“Miss? Are you sure you don’t want to press charges?”
“No, Officer. Everything is fine.”
“Well, I’ll still have to make a report over all of this, so I will need both your signatures on this form. In the future, please be more careful with that thing.”
“Yes, Sir.”
It doesn’t take long and everyone’s already cleared out, leaving us there standing alone. We stare at each other for a few minutes. Neither of us knows what to say to the other. Worry and guilt still fill her gaze. She probably thinks I’m pissed at her for zapping me with that Taser, but I’m not. If anything, I think I love her a bit more for it. Crazy, right?
“Can you walk?”
“I’ll be fine. Don’t let me keep you. I’m sorry I bothered you in the first place.”
“Nik. I…”
“No, Kylie, look, I’m sorry, all right? You obviously have your life here now. Besides, you’re right. No one can love me. Now go!”
“I didn’t mean—”
“GO! Leave me the fuck alone!”
She staggers back from me with huge tears in her eyes. Each step she takes is more uncertain than the one before. I need her to leave. I can’t bear the look of pity in her eyes.
“Get the fuck out of here, Kylie!”
She takes one last heartbreaking look at me and then runs away. Sliding back against the brick wall, I throw off the blanket the paramedic left me.
“You’re destined to be alone.” Her words echo in my ears.
She’s right.
I am.
KYLIE
I miss home. I miss my family and Skylar. Most of all, I miss Nik. I can’t continue on this way. I’ve got to snap out of it. Taking another sip of my drink, I hear Baby Got Back coming from my purse. Skylar. I’d picked that ringtone because we always have so much fun dancing to that song.
Frantically, I dig the phone out, barely answering before it goes to voice mail.
“Hey, bitch!”
“Kylie?” Her panicked voice terrifies me as it echoes over the phone.
“Skylar? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“Kylie, I… I’ve got to get out of here.”
“Honey, calm down. Are you in some sort of trouble? Did Lucas hurt you?”
“N-no, b-but I can’t stay here. Can I come stay with you? Please?” Her voice shakes so much that she doesn’t even sound like herself.
“You know you can. Do you need me to come get you? I will so whip some ass if I need to!” I feel so helpless being this far from her.
“No, I’m still in London. I’m at the airport now trying to get the next flight out.”
“When will you be in LA?”
“I… I don’t know. Noon, maybe?”
“I’ll be there. Call me when you get your flight details, and I’ll pick you up at the airport.”
“Thank you, Kylie. I’m sorry to bother you.”
“Listen to me, you’re not bothering me. Right now, just get your ass here so I can take care of my best friend. You’re sure you’re all right?”
“Not now, but I will be.”
“I love you, babe. Whatever is going on, I’m here.”
“I love you, too. I’ll call you as soon as I get my flight booked. Thank you so much, Kylie.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Between what happened
earlier with Nik and my conversation with Skylar, sleep certainly is not happening for me tonight. I don’t know what to make of what is going on with my best friend. Obviously, something has with Lucas for her to be so upset. When I see the asshole, I plan on beating the living shit out of him for it. He promised me when they left that he would take care of her, that he’d never hurt her. Well, Mr. Drake, it seems you have quite a bit of explaining to do.
Skylar’s flight comes in around two in the afternoon. I get there early just because LAX is always such a fucking madhouse. This being a weekend only makes it worse. Just in my hour of waiting, Brad and Angelina with Colin Farrell and Ian Somerhalder make their way through the flashing lights of the paparazzi. I’ve learned you never know who you will see here in the airport.
The minute I see my best friend’s face, I almost break out in tears. It feels like it’s been years. I practically knock an old lady down on her ass running to Skylar. I mean, really, lady? Get the fuck out of my way.
“Hey babe! I have so fucking missed your face!” I yell as I throw my arms around her neck. I’m so glad to have her here!
“I’ve missed you so much!” she says, holding onto me tightly. Yep, something bad has definitely happened. When she pulls away, I catch a good look at her face. Skylar’s beautiful eyes are bloodshot and it’s obvious she’d been crying most of the flight. She tries to hide the pain in her smile, but it’s not fooling me for a second.
“Are you hungry? We can grab some lunch somewhere if you want.”
“I’m not hungry. Can we just go to your place? I don’t feel like being around anyone.”
“Of course, we can. Let’s grab your bags and then we’ll get out of here.”
I’d decided not to push her to talk until she is ready, but I can’t stand it anymore. When I walk in and find her sitting on the bed and staring into her open suitcase, I know I have to do something. I climb on the bed beside of her, startling her out of her deep thoughts. I am just about to say something, when she beats me to the chase.